NafisaLeeds United’s return to the Premier League was never supposed to be the end of the journey.
After battling their way back into England’s top flight and successfully securing survival, attention has quickly shifted towards the next phase of the club’s long-term project.
The hierarchy at Elland Road have made little secret of their ambition to transform Leeds from a newly-promoted side into a club capable of establishing itself among the division’s regular competitors.
That ambition has already been reflected in decisions made off the pitch. Recruitment plans continue to evolve, discussions over contracts remain ongoing, and there is a growing determination to ensure that key members of Daniel Farke’s squad remain part of the club’s future.
In modern football, retaining influential players can often be just as important as signing new ones. Stability becomes increasingly valuable when clubs are attempting to build momentum and avoid repeating the mistakes that have previously led to setbacks.
Leeds appear fully aware of that reality.
One player who continues to play an important role in the club’s plans is midfielder Ilia Gruev, whose future has once again become a topic of discussion.
Gruev settled at Leeds United
The Bulgaria international spent eight years with Werder Bremen before making the move to Leeds United in August 2023.
At the time, the Whites were still competing in the Championship, but they eventually earned promotion back to the Premier League by lifting the second-tier title in 2025.
Now three years into his stay at Elland Road, the 26-year-old has become a familiar figure within the squad.
This season, Gruev featured in 26 matches and accumulated 1,519 minutes of action before an injury in April prematurely brought his campaign to an end.
Despite that setback, he remains a valued member of Farke’s side.
Leeds United’s growing ambitions
Werder Bremen’s official website recently conducted an extensive interview with the midfielder, who is currently continuing his recovery while spending time with family in Bulgaria.
Reflecting on Leeds’ progress since his arrival, Gruev highlighted the scale of the project unfolding at Elland Road.
After narrowly missing promotion during his first season at the club, he helped Leeds secure Championship glory before contributing to a respectable 14th-place finish in the Premier League.
The midfielder believes the club’s ambitions extend far beyond simply surviving in the division.
“This season, we were the underdogs. Many predicted we’d be relegated again, since all three promoted teams in recent years have been relegated again,” he said.
“I’m pleased that we’ve managed to stay this way, been very consistent, collected so many points, and ultimately finished with a comfortable cushion above the relegation zone.
“It’s a project that’s constantly evolving. We want to build on that and continue. You can see that the people who run the club and own it want more. That’s naturally a great feeling for a player to be a part of it all. Even back in the Championship.
“The club wants to continue developing, and the stadium will be expanded in the near future. We want to become an established Premier League club again, which isn’t easy. Leeds have a lot of power and can generate even more energy, simply because their fanbase is outstanding and we have the resources.”
Bundesliga return not on his mind
As Leeds continue planning for the future, speculation over the futures of several first-team players has naturally emerged.
Gruev, however, has consistently suggested that he sees his future in England.
Only a few months ago, the midfielder indicated that he had no immediate desire to leave Leeds United, and his latest comments reinforce that position.
Werder Bremen asked whether he could envision himself returning to the Bundesliga at some stage.
“You can always imagine anything,” Gruev explained.
“But I have to say that I really appreciate the Premier League and I really enjoy playing here. Of course, I still follow the Bundesliga, but my focus is on the league in England.”
Those comments will likely come as encouraging news for Leeds supporters, particularly given the club’s desire to keep the core of the squad intact while continuing to strengthen.
Contract situation could become important
Although Gruev appears fully committed to Leeds United, his contract situation may become a point of focus in the coming months.
The midfielder is currently tied to the club until 2027 and is valued at around €12 million by Transfermarkt.
However, with just one year remaining after next season, Leeds will eventually need to make a decision regarding a potential extension.
Allowing key players to enter the final stages of their contracts can create unnecessary uncertainty, especially for clubs with ambitions of establishing themselves in the Premier League.
Given Gruev’s importance to the squad and his apparent happiness in West Yorkshire, securing his long-term future could become one of the quieter but more significant pieces of business Leeds undertake in the near future.
For now, though, the message from the player himself is clear.
His focus remains firmly on Leeds United and the challenge of helping the club continue its upward trajectory in English football.
Nafisa
