Leeds United have announced 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 signed a four-year contract with the club 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 comfortable 13th placed finish.
He now departs the Weser Stadium with 62 appearances in all competitions, 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 8 caps to date.