Leeds United told one condition to sanction Pascal Struijk exit - 'You've got to sell'

Gary McAllister acknowledges Leeds United are in somewhat of a catch 22 when it comes to the future of Pascal Struijk.

The Dutch defender is out of contract at Elland Road in June 2027, and there is a little bit of uncertainty about the status of talks.

Leeds have already convinced Ethan Ampadu to commit his future to the club, and there is hopes goalkeeper Karl Darlow can be persuaded to stay with his deal up in a matter of days.

The likes of Ilia Gruev, Joel Piroe, Brenden Aaronson, and Lukas Nmecha are all out of contract in 2027, too.

But tying down Struijk to fresh terms is likely to the priority of that quintet.

And McAllister explained the one condition he would consider when deciding whether to sell Struijk this summer.

Leeds United have headache with Pascal Struijk contract

Towards the end of last season, the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United were credited with an interest in Struijk.

Nothing particularly concrete has emerged since the opening of the transfer window, but lingering interest is sure to be there given his contract situation.

McAllister, a title winner with Leeds who later managed the club, does not want to see Struijk leave, particularly given the difficult in finding left-footed centre-backs.

However, he says Leeds will have to take the difficult decision to cash in if Struijk does not put pen to paper on a new contract.

He told LeedsLive: "I think they'll offer him a new contract and try to keep him. Team stability is important. Plus, he's a left-footed center-back, which is rare. Lefties are hard to come by.

"But then it becomes difficult if a player is not looking to sign. I think you've got to gauge that. If he's not showing that he wants to commit to Leeds United, then you've got to sell.

“Losing somebody for free at the end of a contract isn't good planning. So I would imagine they'll be looking to tie him into a contract soon.”

What is the status of Leeds United's transfer window?

Most of the talk in recent days at Elland road has been to do with incomings rather than outgoings.

Southampton midfielder Shea Charles has been the subject of a £20million bid and talks are ongoing to bring him to Elland Road.

Julian Brandt and Harry Wilson are also being monitored, with the duo both available on free transfers.

There will likely be outgoings, and serious bids for the likes of Piroe, Gruev, and Aaronson may end up being considered, you would imagine.

But you sense Leeds will do what they can to convince Struijk to sign a new contract at Elland Road.