Leeds United news: Lukas Nmecha, Ilia Gruev contract situations 'revealed' ahead of possible summer exits

Leeds United duo Lukas Nmecha and Ilia Gruev are supposedly prepared to potentially depart Elland Road next summer.

Daniel Farke's side have enjoyed a positive start to the 2026-27 Premier League campaign - their second at this level following a title-winning campaign in the Championship during the 2024-25 term.

Despite a recent four-match winless run (D3 L1), the Elland Road club are sitting in a respectable seventh spot in the Premier League standings, just four points behind the Champions League places.

Battling for a European position, it is known that Leeds are looking to bolster their squad during the upcoming transfer window, with Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielder Issouf Sissokho supposedly of interest.

In any case, Farke's men will be looking to halt their run of consecutive draws on Saturday afternoon, when the Whites make the trip to face an in-form Bournemouth outfit at the Vitality Stadium.

Nmecha, Gruev contract situations 'revealed'

Within the ranks of Farke, there are two first-team Leeds players whose contracts expire at the conclusion of the 2026-27 season, meaning that they could both depart on free transfers next summer.

At the top end of the pitch, Nmecha is playing second fiddle to leading marksman Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with the German able to discuss pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs from January 1 onwards.

However, according to Leeds Live, there is an option to extend the attacker's terms at Elland Road by a further 12 months, given that the player, his representatives and Leeds are all in agreement.

It is understood that there is no such stipulation in Gruev's Elland Road deal, though, meaning that the Yorkshiremen need to offer an extended contract to the Bulgarian to prevent him from leaving.

Since returning from an early-season injury, Gruev has struggled to earn a spot back in the starting XI for Leeds this season after playing an important role for the Whites at the beginning of 2026.

Leeds' next two matches are critical

Despite the recent four-game winless streak, Leeds have enjoyed a largely positive start to the new campaign, in which Farke's side are aiming to compete with the likes of Aston Villa for a European spot.

That being said, it is critical that the Whites pick up another victory before the November international break, as such would go a long way in easing some growing concerns around Elland Road.

Winning five straight games across all competitions without conceding a goal, Bournemouth will pose a tricky test this weekend for Leeds, who then play host to Tottenham Hotspur on November 7.