{"id":1058147,"date":"2026-06-29T19:50:11","date_gmt":"2026-06-29T19:50:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/1058147\/"},"modified":"2026-06-29T19:50:11","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T19:50:11","slug":"leeds-united-must-hijack-ipswich-towns-26m-alexsandro-interest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/1058147\/","title":{"rendered":"Leeds United must hijack Ipswich Town’s \u00a326m Alexsandro interest"},"content":{"rendered":"

Leeds United<\/a> are now in the market for a left-footed centre-back to replace the outbound Pascal Struijk<\/a>. It\u2019s a tough market but there are options out there for the 49ers.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Leeds have a strong foundation to build from this summer after finishing 14th in the Premier League under Daniel Farke<\/a>.<\/p>\n

However, the 49ers have another priority to attend to in the transfer market. Pascal Struijk is packing his bags<\/a> and heading for the south coast in Brighton.<\/p>\n

Struijk\u2019s dwindling contract left Leeds at a crossroads this summer. Either we pushed hard to agree a contract, or we were forced to sell the centre-back.<\/p>\n

The club tried to convince the Dutchman to stay. But unsurprisingly after various reports in the off season, he has opted for a new challenge, namely with Conference League side Brighton.<\/p>\n

There were initial claims that Leeds had verbally agreed a \u00a320million fee. Now, it looks as though United are actually set to receive just \u00a315million up front with \u00a33million in add-ons<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Now, the club have a new task to attend to in the transfer market. Losing a guaranteed starter in defence isn\u2019t ideal, but also Struijk\u2019s profile as the only left-footer is one that Leeds have to replace.<\/p>\n

Struijk, for whatever reason, isn\u2019t totally favoured amongst the United fanbase. However, Farke\u2019s unwavering faith in Struijk, consistent huge praise<\/a>, and Brighton\u2019s eagerness to sign him underlines the fact that Leeds are losing a very good player and need to replace him with a likewise signing<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Leeds United should hijack Ipswich Town talks for Lille\u2019s \u00a326m-rated target Alexsandro Ribeiro<\/p>\n

Last summer, Leeds were made to feel the sting of missing out on ambitious targets as a newly-promoted side, as options headed for more attractive destinations.<\/p>\n

The shoe could well be on the other foot this summer. We\u2019ve already reportedly agreed to sign Harry Wilson on a free transfer, proving a real statement of Leeds\u2019 intent and ambition to land these targets.<\/p>\n

So, Ipswich Town may have highlighted a potentially smart Struijk replacement for Leeds.<\/p>\n

Fabrizio Romano<\/a> reports that the Tractor Boys, managed by Gary O\u2019Neil, are looking to sign Lille\u2019s Brazil international Alexsandro Ribeiro.<\/p>\n

The Championship runners-up are in talks with the Ligue 1 side over a move, as the 26-year-old holds a reported \u20ac30million (\u00a325.9m) asking price.<\/p>\n

It would be some coup for Ipswich to strengthen their defence with Alexsandro. However, if Leeds have any interest in the Brazilian, they could spring a hijack and putting Ipswich in their place.<\/p>\n

The Athletic\u2019s European football expert Alexander Barker<\/a> delivered a previous verdict on the Lille defender that should be right up Leeds\u2019 street.<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cRibeiro is not just a strong defender, he also brings quality on the ball. Ribeiro is comfortable on his weak foot, which means he can fill in on both sides,\u201d Barker said. \u201cThis flexibility also helps him play through pressure as he can play a wide range of passes.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

At \u00a325.9million, Leeds would be replacing and potentially even improving on Struijk with Alexsandro. A lengthy layoff due to a torn quad in 25\/26 might make it something of a risk, but the Brazilian could be a very viable target.<\/p>\n

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