Ilia Gruev exit clause emerges at Leeds as multi-million overpayment claim made

Leeds United agreed a sell-on clause with Werder Bremen for midfielder Ilia Gruev, according to DeichStube.

The German news outlet reported online (4 June) that a sell-on clause was agreed between the two clubs when Gruev moved to Elland Road for £5.5million last summer.

At the time, this fee was seen as “significantly higher” than the 24-year-old’s market value.

Gruev has now been linked with a move away from the Whites, with Sky Sports News Germany reporting (3 June) that Borussia Dortmund are interested in the Bulgarian.

Dortmund will likely have to pay more than £5.5million to sign Gruev.

Leeds United might be forced to say goodbye to Ilia Gruev at Elland Road

Failure to earn promotion to the Premier League means plenty of players will be linked with moves away from Leeds this summer.

As per the Daily Mail (16 May), the Whites need to raise cash, and the best way to do that is by allowing some of their big-name stars to leave.

However, Leeds have other more valuable assets that are more likely to be sold before Gruev.

Players such as Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto look more likely to leave first.

Daniel Farke will want to keep hold of the midfielder next season, as will supporters at Elland Road.

However, the club’s desire to sell Gruev might not be the main problem.

If clubs like Dortmund have expressed an interest, then Gruev himself might be tempted by an exit.

This could lead to the player looking to force his way out of the club in what would be a devastating blow to Farke and Leeds.

In other Leeds United news, Chelsea are keeping an eye on one player at the club as a half-price update emerges.