Pascal Struijk explains Leeds United transfer decision
Pascal Struijk chose to join Leeds United in 2018 because he felt like he’d “grow” more away from the Netherlands.
The defender has been with the Whites since he was a teenager and has since cemented his role in Daniel Farke’s starting XI.
Speaking to BBC Sport (30 October), Struijk shared that he turned down approaches from teams in the Netherlands in favour of a move to West Yorkshire.
“I had to make a choice about what I wanted to do,” he said.
“I could have stayed in Holland if I wanted to but I thought for me as a person, I would grow from making the step outside of the Netherlands.
“I think it was a good choice for me because eventually I grew up a lot as a person and basically from a boy to a man at the moment.”
Pascal Struijk has developed massively since moving to Leeds United
Struijk’s impact on Leeds’ squad has been huge this season. He’s managed to re-form his solid partnership with summer arrival Joe Rodon with the duo leaving their mark as two of the best centre-backs in the Championship.
Last term was no different either as the duo were formidable up until the Dutchman found himself sidelined due to injury.
One of Leeds’ main goals for the 2024/25 season will be to gain promotion to the Premier League after narrowly missing out last term.
If the Whites want to continue their title charge or perhaps get into the top two, players such as Willy Gnonto and Struijk will have to ensure their performance levels don’t drop and will have to lead by example.
There’s still plenty of time left in the season and if things continue as they are at the moment, it feels like Farke’s men will have nothing to worry about in terms of promotion by the end of the campaign.
In other Leeds news, the Whites have sent officials to scout Hammarby winger Bazoumana Toure ahead of a potential move.
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