Ilia Gruev is being linked with a shock Leeds United exit this summer.
Having lost the play-off final to Southampton nine days ago, Leeds were quick to acknowledge that some kay players would have to depart to ensure they remain compliant with PSR.
Crysencio Summerville, Willy Gnonto, Archie Gray and Georginio Rutter were among those touted for an exit in the immediate days after the final, but Gruev certainly wasn’t one you would’ve expected to depart.
However, it has been reported that Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund are among the sides keen on signing him this summer, and were even in attendance at Wembley.
It is said Leeds would be open to offers of a ‘certain amount’, and having paid around £5 million to sign him only last summer, given his age and contract length, £10m+ could be good business.
If he was to leave, it would certainly leave Leeds in the market for a replacement and here are three they should take a look at.
Pierre Ewkah – Sunderland
Leeds could look to raid a fellow Championship side for Gruev‘s replacement with Sunderland’s Pierre Ewkah fitting the bill as someone who could actually be an upgrade.
Ekwah is just 22-years-old but has impressed in his two seasons in the Championship at the Black Cats since joining from West Ham United.
Having scored five goals last season, he would offer more of a goal threat than Gruev, and is also someone who could actually play alongside Ethan Ampadu, unlike the Bulgarian.
Ewkah is also considerably more progressive when it comes to his passing. As per FBRef, Ewkah averages 6.45 progressive passes per 90 in comparison to Gruev’s 4.36.
He also averages more shots per 90 (1.82 vs 0.3), though isn’t quite as prolific defensively, with Gruev completing more interceptions and tackles in a match. However, with Ampadu alongside him, that shouldn’t matter too much. Ewkah would be a great option.
Kenny McLean – Norwich City
With players such as Liam Cooper, Stuart Dallas and Luke Ayling departing this summer, Leeds need to add some experience to their squad.
McLean would certainly fit that bill and is considerably older than both Gruev and the aforementioned Ekwah, with over 500 career appearances at various levels.
The 32-year-old is someone well known to Farke from their time together at Norwich City, with Leeds even seeing two bid rejected for him last summer.
Despite his age, McLean still remains in prime condition as he played 90 minutes in all but two of Norwich’s league matches last season.
He is also the Canaries’ club captain, and would fill the void left by his Scotland international teammate Cooper if he was to join.
Like Gruev, he is also left-footed and so would very much be a like-for-like replacement in the middle of the park.
Albert Sambi Lokonga – Arsenal
Perhaps a bit more of a left-field and ambitious option, but it would be a real statement of intent if Leeds were able to prise Albert Sambi Lokonga to the Championship.
Lokonga has already confirmed he will be leaving Arsenal this summer and it will be interesting to see the sort of club he gets.
He was part of the Luton Town side that were relegated from the Premier League last season, as he made 17 appearances in total.
The 24-year-old has found it tough since moving to Arsenal three years ago but is still young and can play both as a holding or box-to-box midfielder.
With 1.52 attempted take-ons per 90, he is someone who likes to dribble his way out of trouble, but in a poor Luton side, also averaged more progressive passes per match than Gruev with 4.97.
It will be interesting to see what sort of fee Lokonga is available for this summer, given he is not in anyway part of Mikel Arteta’s plans going forward.