ILIA GRUEV JOINS LEEDS UNITED FROM WERDER BREMEN - Leedsunited.com 31/8/23
Leeds United are delighted to announce the signing of Ilia Gruev from Bundesliga side SV Werder Bremen, subject to international clearance and a work permit.
The 23-year-old defensive midfielder joins the Whites in a
permanent transfer, for an undisclosed fee.
A Bulgarian international, Gruev has penned a four-year
contract at Elland Road running until the summer of 2027.
Coming through the ranks with Bremen, he went on to make his
senior debut for the club in December 2020, in a 3-0 victory over Hannover 96
in the German Cup.
He went on to establish himself in the side during the
2021/22 campaign, making 26 appearances, to help Werder win promotion from 2.
Bundesliga.
Last season, on the club’s return to the German top-flight,
Gruev played a key part in the team as Bremen avoided relegation, with a 13th
placed finish.
He now departs the Weser Stadium having amassed 62
appearances in all competitions, with his final appearance coming in last
weekend’s game against SC Freiburg.
After representing Bulgaria at Under-17 to Under-21 level,
Gruev received his first full cap for Bulgaria in September 2022 and has gone
on to receive a total of eight caps to date.
Gruev becomes our seventh signing of the summer following
the arrivals of Ethan Ampadu, Sam Byram, Karl Darlow, Joel Piroe, Joe Rodon and
Djed Spence.
Gruev admitted he now can’t wait to get started with his new
chapter in West Yorkshire.
“It feels amazing,” said Gruev.
“This is a big club, it’s a different country for me and
everyone knows here is the best football in the world.
“Elland Road is a great stadium, there are great people here
and I’m looking forward to having a great time here.
“Leeds are three times champions, it’s a big club with
history and the only club in Leeds.
“I want to gain a new experience, develop my game and help
the team to achieve our dreams and aims that we have and get them, I have full
confidence in this club.”
Gruev also spoke about the influence of manager Daniel Farke
and revealed more about his own game.
He said: “I play in central midfield as a holding six or can
also play in the eight.
“I’m a very strategic player, I want to have ball and
possession, intercept balls and lead the team a little bit.
“I had great conversations with the boss (Daniel Farke), I
know him from the Bundesliga and also in the Championship getting promoted two
times and I’m really looking forward now.
“I know our boss wants to have the ball and dictate the game
and that’s very important for my game too as that is what I want also, which is
very good.
