Fabrizio Romano has reported in an exclusive on Twitter that Leeds United have agreed a new contract with defender Pascal Struijk after a wonderful start to the 2022-23 season – despite the Leeds star playing on the left of the defence.
Struijk, 23, finished last season as a bit of a rotational player. A victim of his own versatility, he was in and out of the side – playing left-back, centre-back or even in midfield. But this season, injuries have played into Struijk’s favour.
Indeed, the Dutchman has become a key player at left-back. Junior Firpo suffered a pre-season injury and it saw Firpo miss the trip to Australia. Firpo has only just returned to fitness but has found himself second choice to Struijk.
That is because, Struijk has been excellent on the left. Despite being the height and physique of a centre-back, he has been superb on the left. So much so, he was in preliminary Netherlands squads in September, and for the World Cup.
The ex-Ajax academy player is about to enter the final 18 months of his contract. For Leeds, it was crucial we get him tied down before clubs began to sniff around a deal. Romano reports that Leeds have agreed a deal until June 2027.
Romano: Leeds have agreed a new contract with Struijk until June 2027
Great news, for those of a Leeds persuasion. The World Cup break has been identified by many as a time for those not at the World Cup, to sort out matters behind the scenes. Leeds have taken full advantage, agreeing a Struijk deal.
Struijk said himself, recently, that he was keen to put pen to paper on a new contract at Elland Road. Now, he has. Confirmation should not be a long wait given Romano’s reliability and the sources he has inside the footballing world.
What it does for Leeds, is tie down one of our best, up-and-coming stars. It prevents Struijk from having his head turned and from clubs becoming interested. He is a player that Jesse Marsch said has made him “really, really happy”.
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