Leeds United have received a major boost as Pascal Struijk has said he will “give my all” in an interview with the Yorkshire Evening Post. Ten centre-back has been described as a “monster” by renowned football writer Daniel Fraiz Martinez, and is set to stay despite a likely salary cut from his £50k-per-week salary following relegation.
Leeds United Set to Retain Pascal Struijk as the Defender Commits to Club
What This Means for Leeds United Transfers
One of the main benefits of retaining Pascal Struijk’s services is that it provides the club with a little bit more certainty as to the rest of the window. The loss of Robin Koch, Diego Llorente, Rasmus Kristensen and potentially Max Wober mean that the club’s defence is already effectively gutted, in addition to lacking depth at left-back before the window even started. If Leeds are able to keep more players at Elland Road, there’s less need for significant churn in the squad. Losing the Belgian (who has declared internationally for the Netherlands) would mean another signing, and more work on the behalf of 49ers Enterprises to give Daniel Farke the tools he needs this season.
Retaining Struijk’s services also means that the Whites can have a greater focus on signing attacking talent. The squad is undoubtedly lacking an effective number nine, with Joel Piroe widely discussed as a target. Elland Road’s hierarchy can focus on adding to the squad in these areas rather than plugging holes at the back.
Watch: Why Joel Piroe is an Ideal Leeds United Target
Why is Keeping Pascal Struijk Important?
Although he had a relatively lacklustre season last year, it’s difficult to place all the blame for last season’s failings at Struijk’s door. The centre-back spent a significant portion of last year playing out of position at left-back due to injuries for Junior Firpo and poor recruitment that saw effectively no backup options in that position. When playing in the middle of the defence the centre-back, who earned a provisional call-up to the Dutch national side last September, is more than capable. Farke’s role at this point is to return Struijk to the form that he has been proven to have within him and dominate the Championship.
Read More: Leeds United Set for Potential Exodus
Will He Need a New Deal?
Thankfully, it seems unlikely that the club will need to offer the defender a new contract to stay at the club. He signed his most recent deal with the club late in 2022, with the agreement running until 2027. Some players such as Tyler Adams, Wilfried Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville may need a new contract in order to be persuaded to keep their loyalties at Leeds United, but following this declaration, Struijk isn’t a member of this group. Fans need to be aware that there may still be some departures coming as the window hots up throughout August, however, with Farke’s squad being far from set this late into pre-season.
Image courtesy of Joe Blackburn, licensed to Last Word on Sports.
