Leeds warned replacing Pascal Struijk could be costly as contract decision nears | OneFootball

Leeds have been warned that replacing Pascal Struijk could be difficult and costly as the vice-captain weighs a contract decision. His future is set to be a major summer talking point.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, the 26-year-old is in the final year of his deal and could either extend his eight-year stay or seek a new challenge. If he chooses to move, a sale would suit Leeds’ self-sustaining model and deliver profit after his 2018 arrival for nothing.

His situation sits alongside Karl Darlow, with the first-choice goalkeeper’s terms up in days and talks ongoing, while Ethan Ampadu has signed a four-year contract.

Leeds great Gary McAllister stressed the value of stability, picking out Struijk and Darlow as key last season and praising Joe Rodon. He said the bond between goalkeeper and centre-backs was crucial and felt that trio helped keep Leeds in the league and move away from danger.

Whatever happens, Leeds are expected to assess left-footed defenders, with Struijk the only natural option on the left of a back three. Left-footed, ball-playing centre-backs are scarce, and Struijk fits that profile as a robust box defender and major dressing-room presence.

McAllister added that replacements of that type tend to cost £50 million or more, a range Leeds are not in.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk