Leeds United manager Daniel Farke and defender Pascal Struijk [credit: Leeds United Official and Imago]
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke and defender Pascal Struijk [credit: Leeds United Official and Imago]

Daniel Farke shares new Leeds United transfer update after injury reveal

Jonathan Burnett

Jonny is a University of Leeds journalism graduate who became part of the FootballInsider team in Spring 2024, and recently worked as Head of Media for Widnes Vikings Rugby League club. Writing as a freelance reporter and commentator for The Sporting News and StatsPerform, he has covered matches in competitions including the FIFA Men's and Women's World Cups, as well as the Champions League, Women's Euro 2022, Six Nations and the Rugby Union World Cup.

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Leeds United will have a "calmer" final few days of the transfer window after Pascal Struijk's injury diagnosis, Daniel Farke has said.

Farke revealed on 23 January via Graham Smyth on X, that Struijk – missing since before the Whites' draw at Hull City on 4 January – could soon be fit again.

With Struijk set to be back in training next week, Farke suggested that while United will remain alive to potential improvements before 3 February, they're not in "panic mode" over buying a new centre-back.

Farke said: "There are still a few positions where we could have a deeper look if there's someone to improve our squad, and it's exactly what we'll do.

"But with this diagnosis, we're not in panic mode, so a bit calmer."

Pascal Struijk update creates Leeds United transfer twist

Despite the news that Struijk will be missing for days, rather than potentially months, is a huge boost for promotion prospects in the second half of the season, additions would still be welcome.

When fit, Struijk is arguably the first name on the United team sheet, being by far and away their best option at left-sided centre-back given Max Wober's continued inability to stay fit for long periods.

Smyth X

With Wober likely to be utilised more often as a left-back – given Junior Firpo's injury struggles and Farke's lack of faith in Isaac Schmidt – Struijk remains the clear first choice on that side of the defence.

However, given his injury has seen Ethan Ampadu – more naturally attuned to his usual defensive midfield role – drop into the back four, adding further depth alongside Struijk and Joe Rodon wouldn't go amiss.

Central defenders well-known to Farke have been linked with moves this window, and if the German truly wants to make his backline bullet-proof regardless of injuries, he'd be wise to force the 49ers' hands.

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