Leeds United stance on Pascal Struijk emerges amid £13.1m Club Brugge transfer links
Leeds United and Pascal Struijk’s stance on a potential January transfer exit has emerged amid reported interest from Club Brugge.
The Whites defender has been linked with a move to the Belgian club in a deal worth around £13.1m, after they failed with an attempt to convince Leeds to let him leave in the summer.
But according to the Yorkshire Evening Post (16 November), Leeds have no intention of letting him leave in the middle of the season and Struijk is not pushing for a move away from Elland Road.
“A rumour linking Struijk with a January transfer to the Belgian club has re-emerged following similar reports during the summer window,” they wrote.
“The YEP understands, however, it is highly unlikely Leeds will part company with the central defender midway through their Championship campaign, owing to the Dutchman’s integral role in Daniel Farke’s side this season.
“Therefore, the likelihood of Leeds’ new ownership permitting a purported €15 million sale in the midst of the club’s promotion bid is highly improbable.
“Club Brugge were reportedly interested in the defender over the summer, but no official approach is understood to have been made to Leeds. Struijk, meanwhile, signed a new long-term contract 11 months ago which runs until 2027 and has made no indication he seeks to leave Elland Road.”
Perfect
There were plenty of Leeds fans who weren’t completely convinced by Struijk last season when he was playing out of position at left-back and the team got relegated.
But when Max Wober and Robin Koch ditched us in the summer for the Bundesliga, Struijk stayed put and has established himself as the first-choice centre-back alongside Joe Rodon this season.
He’s even been given the captain’s armband in the absence of Liam Cooper and Luke Ayling, and is finally showing his quality at centre-back to prove he is a player who is better than the Championship.
But the Belgian league is hardly a top competition and with the performances the team are putting in right now, there should be great confidence that we can get back to the Premier League at the first attempt.
If something changes and he does want to leave then it’ll be something to think about for sure, but the reported £13.1m is an insult so for now it’s a non-starter.
In other Leeds news, talks underway for ‘Bumper’ new long-term contract at Elland Road.