Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Thu 9 April 2026 16:00, UK

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Ilia Gruev has been forced to take a backseat at Elland Road due to the success of his Leeds United teammates at Leeds United.

The 25-year-old’s 2024-25 campaign was plagued by injury, but the Bulgarian international would have hoped to feature a lot more after Leeds won survival back to the Premier League.

Sadly, due to defensive reinforcements, Ethan Ampadu has starred in the centre of midfield, often partnered by Anton Stach, with even Ao Tanaka unable to get proper minutes in the lineup.

A lack of starts appears to be forcing Tanaka out of the Elland Road exit doors, potentially alongside Joe Rodon and Joel Piroe, but that might not be bad news for everyone at the club.

Ilia Gruev has fallen down Daniel Farke’s pecking order

Gruev has still managed to record three assists this season, all of which have come in the Premier League, but he continues to struggle to climb the pecking order under Daniel Farke.

He has only completed one full 90-minute match in Leeds’ last eight matches, the 1-1 draw against Aston Villa in February, unable to even get off the bench in three of them.

There is every chance that Farke just doesn’t rate him highly enough to compete in England’s top flight, but fans are left questioning the treatment of the midfielder, having rarely seen him.

Gruev’s hopes of returning to the starting lineup on a more regular basis could be about to grow, though, with reports being shared of Tanaka’s desire to move away from West Yorkshire.

Leeds United must reject approaches during the summer

It would appear that Tanaka is edging closer and closer to a departure this summer, but Farke cannot afford to let go of some of his bigger names ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

While safety in the Premier League is not guaranteed, remaining results should mean that the Whites get to fight another season, while also hopefully keeping their best players.

Mick Brown told Football Insider that multiple clubs are interested in Leeds’ Rodon, with Jaka Bijol also potentially pushing for a bigger role away from Elland Road.

The fringe players could certainly benefit from some big-name exits, and that is what Gruev will be hoping for if Tanaka is to depart at the end of the season.