Credit: Imago

Mark Smith

Wed 22 April 2026 17:10, UK

Leeds United are happy to spend up to £26million on Wolves defender Ladislav Krejci.

Wolves were officially relegated following their 3-0 defeat at Elland Road on Saturday, with West Ham’s point at Crystal Palace enough for confirmation.

They will likely be joined by Burnley on Wednesday, with one spot left for grabs in the Premier League.

Leeds have taken huge strides to avoid that in the past week, beating Manchester United and Wolves, going eight points above the bottom three with five to play.

Daniel Farke has been keen to stress his side aren’t safe yet, with a trip to Bournemouth on Wednesday evening up next for the Whites.

Despite that, it appears that Leeds and the 49ers are starting their transfer plans with Krejci.

Leeds United set Ladislav Krejci budget

With relegation confirmed after their defeat at Elland Road, it appears the Whites have made their moves early following that game.

The Czechia star was embarrassed slightly in the 3-0 defeat, having to leave the pitch after being shoved by Brenden Aaronson, but one game doesn’t sum him up.

Speaking on the E&S Wolves podcast, Liam Keen shared all he knows about Leeds’ interest in Krejci ahead of a summer of change at Molineux.

“My understanding is that Wolves haven’t been contacted whatsoever,” he said

“Secondly, Leeds would be potentially willing to give Wolves their money back for him, which is around £26million.

“There is a release clause in Krejci’s contract when he becomes a permanent Wolves player this summer. I don’t have the exact figure, but I understand that it’s a fairly considerable fee, believed to be over £40million.

“Leeds, as it stands, are not willing to pay that release clause.”

It was also mentioned that Pascal Struijk could be sold, or even if he stays at Elland Road, he will be given extra competition from someone like Krejci.

What is the situation around Pascal Struijk?

There has been constant speculation around Struijk in recent months, with the likes of Tottenham linked with his signature.

Funnily enough, it may be Spurs relegated at the end of this season, rather than Leeds.

Next season is the final year in Struijk’s contract at Elland Road as things stand, so negotiations will likely get underway soon for a renewal.

If those talks aren’t successful, this summer may represent the final chance to bring in decent money for the classy defender, who has spent his entire senior career in LS11.

Leeds will want to kick on next season if they survive as expected, and keeping Struijk, as well as signing Krejci, would deliver great depth for that.

That has to be the goal: strengthen the wider squad, clipping dead wood rather than selling big names.