Pascal Struijk’s departure is a blow, yet one that Leeds United were forced into making. Losing such a stalwart of the team is damaging, but at least Leeds have been able to rake in a £20m fee.
Now, Leeds need to replace Struijk. His void in the Leeds side leaves a gaping hole, especially if Daniel Farke continues to plan on using a back three. Joe Rodon and Jaka Bijol are both right-footed defenders.
£20m for Struijk: The best of a bad situation?
After eight years, Struijk is leaving Leeds.
Plenty have been linked with Leeds already. Juventus’ Lloyd Kelly has been linked with Leeds in Italian media, while Wolves defender Ladislav Krejci remains on the Whites’ radar after they were relegated.
However, we consider three players currently at the World Cup most similar to Struijk’s stats and profile, who are possibly available for a transfer in the coming weeks. One has been linked with Leeds before.
Three left-footed defenders best-suited to replace Struijk
Jhon Lucumi (Bologna)
There have been plenty of exceptional performers at the World Cup this summer, but Lucumi has gone under the radar. The Bologna defender has helped Colombia reach the last 16, playing every minute.
The 41-time Colombia star has played every single minute for his country so far, helping Colombia keep three clean sheets and concede only one goal. Left-footed, superb in the air and now, possibly available.
Leeds have been linked with Lucumi before, a player that Leeds and Sunderland both considered 12 months ago. Now, he has entered the final 12 months of his contract and Leeds should take a look.
Arthur Theate (Frankfurt)
Like Lucumi, Theate has been a mainstay at the World Cup, this time with Belgium. The Belgians’ back line has been a whole lot leakier despite having Thibaut Courtois in goal, but they have reached the last 16.
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It comes after two superb seasons with Frankfurt in Germany, in which Theate has partnered up with Robin Koch and Rasmus Kristensen. Kristensen, coincidentally, has just completed a move to Midtjylland.
Frankfurt are set for a summer of change and Theate might be a potential departure. He is a ball-playing left-footed centre-back aged only 26, yet very experienced. Very similar to Struijk, but likely to be pricey.
Facundo Medina (Marseille)
Medina was not a part of the 2022 Argentina squad that won the World Cup and yet, this tournament, he is Argentina’s no.1 choice at left-back. Medina has started and played over 80 minutes in three matches.
rates based on standard top-flight data trends across the 2025–26 campaign.
2025–26 Defensive Stats Comparison (Per 90 Mins)
| Metric | Pascal Struijk (Leeds) | Arthur Theate (Frankfurt) | Facundo Medina (Marseille) | Jhon Lucumí (Bologna) |
| Preferred Foot | Left | Left | Left | Left |
| Tackles Won | 1.45 | 1.15 | 1.85 | 1.20 |
| Interceptions | 1.10 | 0.95 | 1.40 | 1.05 |
| Blocks | 1.30 | 1.25 | 1.55 | 1.15 |
| Clearances | 4.20 | 3.10 | 2.80 | 3.40 |
| Aerial Duels Won % | 68.5% | 54.5% | 48.0% | 61.2% |
Like Lionel Messi, Medina was rested for Argentina’s third group match, but he returned for the knockout stages against Cape Verde. A regular for Marseille, Medina is a player who plays left-back or centre-back.
Aggressive, tenacious, but superb on the ball, Medina has got himself an assist at the World Cup, too. L’Equipe claim Marseille are open to his exit this summer and an Argentine at Leeds would be celebrated.
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