Leeds United's four key summer calls as window opens, including Pascal Struijk decision | OneFootball

The summer transfer window opened this morning, giving Leeds United licence to trade. Most business may follow the World Cup, but four major calls loom now.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, chairman Paraag Marathe expects fewer than last year's 10 signings, but of higher quality. Attacking difference-makers top the list after 2025 defensive additions Jaka Bijol and Anton Stach.

Leeds are reluctant to weaken the squad, but Pascal Struijk is into the final year of his contract, so speculation will build until he signs or leaves. A sale could deliver profit, yet replacing a left-footed, ball-playing centre-back would be expensive, while renewing him would rival the recent Ethan Ampadu deal.

Up front, Leeds still need a right wing or No.10 profile like Harry Wilson’s, with the Welshman now a free agent. A near-£40m January bid for Jorgen Strand Larsen points to a desire for another striker, Dominic Calvert-Lewin needs proper competition, and a true big-money addition remains overdue.

In goal, uncertainty persists. Illan Meslier has gone, Alex Cairns and Karl Darlow are out of contract and in talks, Darlow has outside interest, and £16m 2025 signing Lucas Perri has underwhelmed, so Leeds must weigh renewals, a possible new No.1 and whether to cut losses on Perri, with Rory Mahady a fourth-choice option.

Exits will be crucial. Moving on fringe options such as Joel Piroe could raise funds without unduly weakening Daniel Farke’s XI, returning loanees like Joe Gelhardt may help, and any departure involving a fan favourite such as Ao Tanaka would be uncomfortable but necessary under tighter Squad Cost Rules.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk