Move made for Pascal Struijk exit at Leeds United as ‘expensive’ conclusion emerges
Club Brugge failed with a move to bring Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk to Belgium, according to Tomas Taecke.
The Het Laatste News journalist posted on Twitter (28 July) that a move for Struijk was deemed too expensive by the Belgian Club.
While a move cannot be entirely ruled out, it is unlikely that the 23-year-old Dutch international will make the move to the Belgian Pro League.
The defender started 26 times in the Premier League last season as the Whites were relegated, playing predominantly at left-back.
Relief
Although he was part of a shaky defence last season, Struijk is a player with quality who could certainly thrive in the Championship and Daniel Farke will be keen to keep hold of him.
The Belgian-born ace would likely entertain a move to Brugge, as it offers a chance to compete in European and top-flight football rather than playing in England’s second division. Although it doesn’t appear Leeds will make any deal easy with their defender still having four years left on his contract.
At the age of 23, Struijk still has plenty of room to develop and improve and there is therefore no reason why Farke’s men should be looking to let him leave, especially when considering how many players they have already lost following relegation.
Defensively, Struijk can be brilliant. As per fbref, he was in the top two per cent of full-backs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for the number of aerial duels he won (2.45 per 90) and tackles he made (3.44 per 90).
He is certainly a player worth keeping around at Elland Road as they compete for promotion.
In other Leeds United news, an exit ultimatum has been revealed after a behind-the-scenes outburst.