Struijk ‘set sights on Leeds exit to join Champions League club’
Leeds United star Pascal Struijk could be set to depart Elland Road in the near future.
The Dutch defender has been a key figure at the back for Daniel Farke‘s side this season as they bid to return to the Premier League.
His contract with the Whites runs until 2027 but with interest from Premier League and Champions League clubs, they could be forced to sell the 25-year-old if a tempting offer is made.
Leeds could lose Stuijk with Champions League interest
The latest club linked with a move for the Peacocks star man is Feyenoord, who are currently competing in the Champions League.
Former Whites ace David Prutton understands that a move to the highest level of the game would interest Struijk but believes Farke’s side have enough going for them to keep him.
Speaking to Football League World (7 March), the Sky Sports EFL host said: “It is an obvious attraction, given that Feyenoord are in the Champions League, yes, they need to make sure they qualify for it next season to attract a player such as Pascal. There are rumours with Spurs as well.
“A couple of years left to run on his contract means that they have created a way in which they don’t leave themselves open to a small fee taking him away.
“The only way this will go through is if you have a player that wants to move on. What wards that off is Leeds getting promoted to the Premier League, which, at this moment in time, looks to be likely.
“However, players are always inherently ambitious, and there is the lure of Champions League football with a big club in Dutch and European football. Maybe that is the one that tempts him.”
Struijk would be a major loss for Leeds
The Dutchman is by far and away the best defender in the second tier and he has proved that he is capable of playing at the top level with his performances for the Elland Road outfit this season.
As well as being a leader at the back, Struijk has popped up with crucial goals for the Whites in their promotion chase, including a brace in the 2-1 win over Sunderland (17 February).
| Championship stats | Started | Goals | Ground duel success rate | Aerial duel success rate |
| Struijk | 26 | 5 | 59.9% | 64.4% |
The Yorkshire outfit must resist any bids they get for him, he will be crucial to their chances of survival if they do manage to secure a Premier League berth which looks likely as they lead the second tier with 11 matches to go.
The gap between the promoted sides and the established top flight clubs seems to only be getting bigger with the likes of Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich Town on their way straight back down, so it is imperative that Leeds keep their best players, rather than having to address another area in the transfer market.
Right now though, the focus must be on ensuring that results are positive and that an automatic promotion place is secured, there is no time to be thinking about transfers, whether that is in or out.