Leeds United in race against time as they finalise paperwork for Ilia Gruev on deadline day – Phil Hay
Leeds United are racing to register Ilia Gruev in time for the new signing to play against Sheffield Wednesday this weekend, according to Phil Hay.
The Athletic reporter posted on his personal Twitter page on Friday [1 September] that fellow newbies Djed Spence and Glen Kamara should be available.
Due to a delay in paperwork, Gurev’s availability for the match at Elland Road on Saturday [2 September] is less clear.
Hay said: “Spence/Kamara should be available to play against Sheff Wed. Gruev still sorting paperwork so not sure yet.”
Slowly does it
New signings usually have to be registered by 12pm the previous day for a 3pm kick-off, so Leeds fans will just hope the Gruev paperwork was dealt with before then if that is the case.
Even if he is registered before the deadline, it may well be that manager Daniel Farke takes a bit of time to integrate the Bulgaria international into the side.
Farke now looks likely to have the option of bringing Kamara into the side, though the Finland international has played no competitive football this season so could do with being eased in.
In fact, continuing the theme, Spence is another who has not played much football at all of late, meaning Leeds fans may have to be a little patient as the new signings get up to speed.
The season is 46 games long, however, and all three – as well as those who joined earlier in the window – will each have their part to play between now and the end of the campaign.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have reportedly made a definitive decision on Crysencio Summerville’s Elland Road future.