Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund are now lining up a move for a Leeds United player this summer.
Just like Leeds six days earlier, Dortmund were beaten at Wembley as they succumbed to Real Madrid 2-0 to end their dream of lifting European football’s biggest trophy.
Leeds, meanwhile, lost 1-0 to Southampton in the play-off final to consign them to a second successive season of Championship football.
Due to their failure to bounce back at the first attempt, Leeds know they will have to sell some key players this summer in order to stay compliant with the EFL’s PSR constraints.
Having said that, Paraag Marathe has promised funds will be available, while Red Bull’s lucrative sponsorship deal should also reduce the amount Leeds need to sell.
Borussia Dortmund keen on shock move for Leeds’ Gruev
With Leeds possessing one of the youngest squads in the Championship last season, it is no surprise at the amount of interest that has already been reported.
A lot of it has actually come from some of Europe’s elite clubs, with Crysencio Summerville the subject of interest from the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea. Archie Gray is also liked by Bayern Munich.
But in a shock turn of events according to Sky in Germany, it is midfielder Ilia Gruev who is attracting interest from Borussia Dortmund this summer.
Gruev, of course, arrived from Bundesliga side Werder Bremen back in August and Dortmund are reportedly keen on bringing him after just one season.
Dortmund even had scouts in attendance for Leeds’ play-off final against the Saints, but are not the only Bundesliga outfit interested in his signature.
Gruev is still under contract for another three years and are said to be keen on keeping him, but would be open to offers if they reach a ‘certain amount’.
Leeds could turn quick Gruev profit
Not many would have predicted Gruev to be the subject of top level interest after just one season, but it could be a good way to turn a quick profit.
Leeds spent around £5 million to bring him to Elland Road and given the amount of sides seemingly taking a look, as well as the quality of his performances from January onwards, they could easily double that.
Were they to bring in a fee of £10 million plus, that would be useful for Leeds’ compliance with PSR, but also be enough to bring in a decent replacement.
They should then look at a midfielder capable of finding the back of the net, with not one of Leeds’ options managing to do so in the regular season. Ethan Ampadu can then return to midfield.