Following the impressive summer transfer window, many Leeds United supporters were optimistic that the 2026/27 campaign would be one to remember under Daniel Farke.

The German has led the Whites to an unbeaten start in the Premier League this campaign, subsequently beating the likes of Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United in due course.

Their tally of nine points from the first five games of the season has the Whites sat in the top five after the first international break, but it’s crucial the senior side continue to build on their impressive start.

If the club are to have any chance of fighting for a European spot come the end of May, it’s crucial the manager ensures one player is nowhere near the starting eleven for the remainder of the season.

Why Sean Longstaff needs to be sold by Leeds

Since promotion to the Premier League back in 2024, Leeds have had to spend a pretty penny to ensure they are capable of fighting against some of the best teams in the division.

Just shy of £200m has been invested by the hierarchy during such a period, which has seen Sean Longstaff make his own move to bolster the squad at Elland Road.

The midfielder was seen as a player who could offer needed Premier League experience to the heart of the side, with his £10m fee being seen as a possible bargain.

However, it’s safe to say the Whites have outgrown the Englishman over recent months and he’s a player no longer at the level needed for success in the top-flight.

The 28-year-old has only featured for 10 minutes in the Premier League this campaign, with his only two starts coming in the Carabao Cup - but he’s failed to capture the imagination of the supporters.

His showing in the heavy defeat to Chelsea highlighted his struggles at the heart of the side, subsequently featuring for 67 minutes of the encounter, but failed to complete any of his dribbles.

Longstaff also failed to complete any of the crosses he attempted at Stamford Bridge, whilst also being dispossessed with the ball at his feet on three occasions.

Why Leeds star should now be sold alongside Longstaff

The unexpected and meteoric rise of Leeds over the last couple of years has undoubtedly led to numerous senior members of the squad becoming fringe options.

Longstaff is one player who undoubtedly falls into such a category, with his lack of action in the 2026/27 campaign highlighting his lack of importance to the manager.

However, he’s certainly not alone in that regard, with fellow midfielder Ilia Gruev another player who has struggled to make the desired impact in the Premier League.

The £5m signing was an influential member of Farke’s squad during the Championship days, but he’s failed to emulate his success after securing promotion.

The 26-year-old started 15 league games last campaign, registering three assists, but the formidable partnership of Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stach has proven hard to break.

Factoring in his recent injury issues too, he’s now fallen even further down the pecking order and is yet to feature once across all competitions throughout 2026/27.

His current deal in Yorkshire is set to expire in the summer of 2027. TEAMtalk report that the player is 'desperate' to stay in Yorkshire but at the moment, no new deal is forthcoming.

As a result, Farke and Co should allow the midfielder to explore his options elsewhere, as it’s clear he’s not a player who can make the desired impact in the Premier League.

Gruev’s stats from last season showcase his struggles, with the former Werder Bremen man ranking in the bottom 10% of players in the division for duels won.

His small frame has made him easy to push off the ball, with the physical duo of Ampadu and Stach leaps and bounds ahead of him in such a department.

The midfielder’s lack of quality out of possession was also evident throughout 2025/26, as he was dribbled past 1.3 times per 90 - a figure also higher than 81% of players in his position.

With the ball, he was just as ineffective for Farke’s men, subsequently only being able to create 0.6 chances per 90 - the lowest of any midfielder in the German’s senior ranks.

His impact in helping the club achieve promotion back to the Premier League will never be forgotten, with the current success simply not happening had it not been for his efforts.

However, there becomes a time when it’s best for everyone to move on to the next chapter, and there’s no denying Gruev falls into that category at present.