Pascal Struijk must be on way out at Leeds United amid latest developments

Pascal Struijk has been an excellent servant for Leeds United, but a decision must be made as he enters the final year of his contract.

Paraag Marathe states that financially Leeds will not feel like a Premier League club until three successive seasons in the top flight, so losing out on funds due to a free transfer would not be smart.

If Struijk does not sign a new contract this summer, the Dutchman could end up heading out the exit door.

While there have been no hints over whether a new deal could be signed, Leeds' activity in the market may be a hint as to the future of Struijk.

The Whites have been in the market for central defenders, but the latest reports hold an interesting meaning for the 26-year-old.

It could signal that Struijk is to leave Leeds United this summer.

Why Pascal Struijk looks likely to leave amid transfer latest

Left-footed defenders are a rare commodity in football, but Leeds have had the luxury of having Struijk since 2018 - an eight-year spell in which he has become a fan favourite.

The 26-year-old has spent all of his professional football career at Elland Road, but with no news surrounding a new deal, the LS11 side may have already made their decision.

There have been reports that Leeds are preparing a club record bid for Brazilian centre-back Natan.

The Real Betis ace, like Struijk, is left-footed. It would be strange for Farke and the 49ers to target a player for such a price if he were not going to be immediately in the German's plans.

With Farke using a three-at-the-back system, the Dutchman has spent the majority of last season on the left side.

Natan would undoubtedly be coming in to slot into the very same position due to his preferred foot.

Leeds are clearly planning for life after Struijk

Interestingly, Natan is not the only left-footed defender on Leeds' radar as Ladislav Krejci also fits the bill.

The Czech defender is currently at the World Cup, so movements in that regard may have to wait.

However, reading through the lines, the decision to monitor defenders of that preferred foot is assuredly a sign that the Whites expect to need to replace the Dutchman.

Left-footed centre-backs can be key due to the ability to play easier passes on their stronger foot out wide, rather than forcing a right-footed player to utilise their weaker foot.