Credit: Imago

Jack Dawson

Wed 20 May 2026 10:24, UK

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Ilia Gruev will surely depart Leeds United in the summer transfer window as the club eyes additional midfielders.

The 26-year-old has struggled for game time this campaign, with an injury keeping him out of the final matches of the season.

Yet, even before he was pushed onto the sidelines, Gruev rarely started for the Peacocks, with Daniel Farke preferring other options.

Now, with Leeds United linked with a move for Lyon’s Tanner Tessmann, the Bulgaria international could be set for a summer exit.

Tessman is also a defensive midfielder, which complicates the future of Gruev at Elland Road.

Leeds United eye Tanner Tessmann transfer

According to Jeunes Footeux on 18 May, Leeds United are looking to finalise a quick deal for Tessman.

£11.26million should be enough to capture the US international, who made 29 Ligue 1 appearances for Lyon in the 2025-26 campaign.

Leeds want the deal done before the 2026 World Cup, and the French club are happy to accept offers if they deem them good enough.

As a result, if the Peacocks get their man, it will surely result in an inevitable exit for Gruev.

The midfielder was not getting much game time anyway at Elland Road, and the addition of Tessman will only limit this further.

🔥 West stand limbs! pic.twitter.com/aW4oLmugRk

— Leeds United (@LUFC) May 18, 2026

Therefore, it may be best for both parties to part ways in the summer as Leeds aim to upgrade their squad further after securing Premier League survival.

Who else could leave Leeds United this summer?

Football Insider has exclusively revealed that Wilfried Gnonto could push for a Leeds United exit this summer.

This is down to the winger’s lack of game time at Elland Road this campaign, and the club will not stand in the winger’s way if a suitable offer comes in.

Leeds will accept anywhere between £15m and £20m for the 22-year-old as they begin preparations for the 2026-27 campaign.

Freiburg have taken a strong interest in Gnonto ahead of the summer window, and a deal could soon be done to move the attacker on.

However, it remains to be seen if the 22-year-old will depart Elland Road over the coming months, and who may come in for the winger if he is to leave the club.