Leeds United are in the market for a number of new signings this summer with Paraag Marathe ready to spend every possible penny to give Daniel Farke the best chance of Premier League survival.
With Leeds promoted, The Whites have opened up the possibility of bringing in a much higher calibre of player. It means, some currently in Leeds’ starting line-up won’t be at the start of the 2025-26 season.
Certainly, Leeds are expected to have a new goalkeeper in net with Illan Meslier likely to leave the club and Karl Darlow reverting to second choice. Leeds also want a striker, which would see Joel Piroe axed.
But in central defence, Pascal Struijk might not only be worrying about his position in the Leeds team – but also his future at Elland Road. Currently vice captain, Struijk has been at Leeds since January 2018.
Photo by George Wood/Getty ImagesWhy Struijk will initially be concerned about his starting spot
Over the weekend, Leeds have been strongly linked with a £17m move for Udinese’s Jaka Bijol. The 26-year-old, who has 62 caps for Slovenia, has been immense over the last few years in Italian football.
Bijol has opened the door to a potential exit from Udinese this summer. The defender has made it clear he would like to take the next step and if he does end up at Leeds, he starts alongside Joe Rodon.
That instantly sees Struijk relegated to the bench under Daniel Farke, given his inability to stay fit for a whole season. There is also a difference between Struijk and Rodon in terms of quality at centre-back.
Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty ImagesIf not starting, Struijk has reason to be worried about his future
If he’s not starting due to the potential signing of Bijol, then Struijk will be somewhat expendable. The left-footed defender will be warming the bench and if a decent offer arrives, Leeds will surely consider it.
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Not least, because Leeds have identified two players that could be sold if PSR becomes an issue. One of those is Struijk, along with Willy Gnonto. Given he was bought as a teen, Struijk represents big profit.
If offers come in, the majority of the fee received will be profit – especially, as Struijk has been at the club for more than seven years. So, if he’s not starting, Leeds may be tempted to cash in on Struijk due to PSR.
Therefore, Struijk will be concerned not only about his place in the side but his future at Leeds if the club do end up signing a new starting centre-back like Bijol. Struijk has a contract at Leeds until June 2027.