Credit: Imago

Aheed Abrar

Wed 29 April 2026 19:10, UK

Leeds United shouldn’t think about selling Pascal Struijk in the upcoming transfer window.

Unless the Whites are forced to cash in on the 26-year-old due to Profit and Sustainability Rules, it would be better to keep him.

That’s what Jermaine Pennant feels, with the former English winger warning the West Yorkshire outfit that they would need the appropriate replacement for the Dutch defender.

The centre-back has proven himself in the Premier League under Daniel Farke and it will certainly be hard to bolster the backline if he leaves.

Struijk is a pivotal member at Elland Road, and unless the Peacocks are facing financial constraints ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, the former Ajax ace can continue to play a key role in LS11.

Pascal Struijk decision a no-brainer for Leeds United

Speaking to the Yorkshire Post on 29 April, Pennant said, “[Struijk] came from the academy, so there’s a lot of profit you would get to sell him. I don’t think you’d be selling him on the cheap. If there is a replacement who is just as good, who is a little bit cheaper, then I think that could be a good plan for business for the club. But in saying that, it’s a risk.

“Players come to the Premier League who are not Premier League proven. We know that Struijk is now. We’ve seen it week in, week out, he’s a very instrumental person in this Leeds team. He’s like a captain-esque figure in that team. If you don’t need to, then in my eyes, you’ve got to keep him. But if you’re struggling for PSR, then it’s not a bad idea.”

No amount of money can come in the way of Leeds maintaining their Premier League status.

The Whites are close to sealing survival this season and Struijk arguably gives them the best chance of competing in the 2026-27 campaign.

With Farke preferring a system with three centre-backs at the West Yorkshire outfit, the balance that the Dutch defender brings to their backline is invaluable.

The best option would surely be to find someone capable of learning from Struijk for a season before accepting a significant offer for him.

Daniel Farke has hands tied at Elland Road

Leeds are interested in Danilho Doekhi, with the Union Berlin centre-back available as a free agent in the summer.

If 49ers Enterprises can’t agree on a new deal with Struijk, they may have no choice but to sell the defender in the coming months to recoup some money.

The Dutchman will enter the final year of his deal at Elland Road and Farke may have no power to keep him in LS11 for long.

With the West Yorkshire outfit looking to re-establish themselves in the Premier League, Paraag Marathe and Co have a monumental transfer window coming up that could determine their fate in the coming years.