£1.3m down the drain: Leeds were bled dry by woeful dud who earned more than Gruev does- opinion

Leeds United, under the management of Daniel Farke, has seen a mix of standout performances and steady contributions from players like Crysencio Summerville and Daniel James. However, it’s the less heralded players like Ilia Gruev who have been instrumental in the team’s success in the Championship. Gruev, a former Werder Bremen player, has been a key figure in the midfield, earning praise for his performances and filling the gap left by Kalvin Phillips since his departure in 2022.

Gruev’s impact is made even more significant when compared to past signings, such as Vurnon Anita, who joined Leeds in 2017. Despite high expectations following his time at Newcastle United, Anita’s stint at Leeds was far from successful. He made only 22 appearances in his debut season, and Leeds finished a disappointing 13th in the Championship. Anita’s high wages, reported at £25k-per-week, made the situation more frustrating for the club, especially considering his lack of impact on the pitch.

Anita’s salary placed him as the second-highest earner at Leeds during the 2017/18 season, behind loanee Pierre-Michel Lasogga. This is in stark contrast to the current Leeds squad, where Gruev earns a modest £15k-per-week, highlighting the financial prudence in Farke’s team management. Anita’s tenure at Leeds serves as a cautionary tale of the risks associated with high wages and the importance of ensuring value for money in player signings.

As Leeds United continues to push for promotion to the Premier League, the club’s approach to player wages and recruitment will be crucial. The example of Vurnon Anita’s time at the club is a reminder of the need for careful financial management and strategic planning in building a successful team. Farke and the Leeds United management will be looking to learn from past experiences as they aim to assemble a competitive squad for the challenges ahead.