Leeds United are set to sell one of their most important starters, and to a Premier League rival, no less. The Whites are on a mission to improve their squad this summer as they look to take the next step towards becoming a Premier League staple after securing safety with relative ease last season.
Daniel Farke shook off his reputation of getting promoted then struggling to keep teams in the Premier League last season, and he is to be rewarded with a significant budget this summer. The Whites are likely to spend , and they also managed to win the Harry Wilson lottery, landing the former Fulham star on a free deal after his superb campaign of last.
But there is a business element to squad building for all clubs, and Leeds have been forced into a difficult business decision this summer.
Struijk on his way out of Leeds
Pascal Struijk was a hugely important player for Farke last season, starting 33 of the 38 Premier League games for the Whites. But as he prepares to go into his final year of his Elland Road deal, Leeds have made the tricky decision to sell the 26-year-old centre-back
The Athletic's Beren Cross reported: "Leeds verbally agree £20m deal with Brighton for transfer of Pascal Struijk. Formal offer to come, but negotiations concluded today. Leeds pitched new contract, but he wanted fresh challenge and they couldn't risk losing him for free next summer."
It's a tricky deal for Leeds to swallow, given £20million is likely below realistic market value, but the contract situation means Brighton have been able to do a deal at a lower price.
But above all, it will be a big blow for Farke to have lost one of his starting centre-backs, and one who likely still has room to improve, given he is only 26 years of age.
What Brighton are getting in Struijk
Brighton have snapped up Struijk amid a big need at centre-back following the big-money sale of Jan Paul van Hecke to Tottenham just a couple of weeks ago.
Naturally, Farke is a huge fan of Struijk's, and he will be disappointed the club couldn't agree a deal with the Belgian. He said of the defender during last season: "I think he was outstanding, top performance, really like a colossus in the defence, won many, many headers.
“But Pascal was very good on the ball, good in the build-up, important, also aggressive in defending forward, [and showed] good leadership. He was an outstanding player for us in the last season and has proven his worth.
“Of course, he’s a big leader also in the dressing room, but nowadays it’s not just up to one or two players, you need a core group who lead. Each and every player has to show responsibility, but of course, we have a good group of leaders."
Leeds United are closing in on a Premier League promotion but one of their current stars could leave in the summer window
Transfer News & Rumours
Transfer News & Rumours