Ilia Gruev is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Leeds United.
Joining the club in 2023, Ilia Gruev has been one of Daniel Farke’s most-relied-upon players in his first two seasons in charge.
The Bulgarian played a big role in Leeds United’s Championship title triumph and return to the Premier League.
However, with Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach arriving in the summer, he now has strong competition for a starting place.
Here’s what you need to know about him.
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty ImagesHow old is Ilia Gruev?
Ilia Iliev Gruev was born in Sofia, Bulgaria, on May 6, 2000. As of September 2025, he is 25 years old.
He is approaching the peak years of his career.
Ilia Gruev height
Gruev stands at 6’1″ tall.
That makes him an imposing size for a midfielder and fits Farke’s new mould of building a tall squad.
How much did Ilia Gruev cost Leeds United?
Leeds paid £5m to sign Gruev from Werder Bremen in the summer of 2023.
He was one of Farke’s first signings after taking charge of the club.
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Ilia Gruev salary
Gruev reportedly earns £15,000 a week at Leeds, which works out at £780,000 a year.
If true, that makes him the lowest-paid first-teamer at Leeds. He is contracted until 2027.
Ilia Gruev stats
Gruev’s career stats for club and country so far.
Gruev has an official Instagram account with over 40k followers, which you can find @ilia_gruev.
He does not appear to have an official X, formerly Twitter, account.
Praise for Ilia Gruev
Speaking in 2024, Farke was full of high praise for Gruev. He said: “From the first day, humble, modest, down to earth, hard working and patient.
“Always the first one in and the last one out. Always wanted extra work. He is one of the most professional players I have ever worked with.”