Leeds United rejected eight-figure offers for key defensive duo in the summer, one was north of £20m

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Angus Kinnear has claimed Leeds United rejected big money offers for both Pascal Struijk and Illan Meslier in the summer.

Kinnear was speaking in an exclusive interview with the Square Ball where a number of topic surrounding the club were discussed after a difficult past two years.

The Leeds chief was quizzed on why they were unable to generate the funds through player sales in the summer like fellow relegated clubs Southampton and Leicester City, who both made enormous amounts of money.

Instead, Leeds watched the majority of their first team squad depart on loan meaning only Tyler Adams and Rodrigo generated any sort of income through sales in the summer.

At the same time, Leeds also rejected a number of offers for players who did not have release clauses in their respective deals, none more so than Wilfried Gnonto.

Kinnear says Leeds rejected big bids for Struijk and Meslier

Leeds also stood firm on offers for both Meslier and Struijk, despite the fact the former in particular had widely been expected to leave Elland Road.

As per Kinnear, Leeds turned down a bid of well in excess of £20 million for Meslier, despite the struggles he endured during the second half of last season.

“We could’ve had a very similar picture at Leeds United. We accepted the offer for Tyler [Adams], we could’ve accepted an offer well in advance of that for Willy [Gnonto] – significantly advanced of that. We could’ve taken an offer for Illan [Meslier], which would’ve been in the mid 20s.

“An offer for [Luis] Sinisterra which would’ve been at £20 million, and an offer for Pascal Struijk which would’ve been low teens. So if we would’ve been in a position where we needed to cash in, we would’ve done.”

Given the noises coming out of the club from the likes of Phil Hay, it is a tad hard to believe Leeds would reject around £25 million for Meslier, especially after bringing in Karl Darlow.

Selling Meslier for that much would’ve represented significant profit on the books and it would’ve been an incredible amount of money to receive after his end to last season.

In terms of Struijk, Leeds have made a smart decision keeping him amid interest from Club Brugge, with the centre-back already proving to be a pivotal part of Daniel Farke’s plans.