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

The summer window opens today, Leeds United free to trade, though much of their work may follow the World Cup. Quick deals are possible, but four calls will shape the months ahead.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Paraag Marathe expects fewer signings than last year’s 10, with higher calibre attackers the focus after 2025’s defensive rebuild. He has also signalled there will be sales.

Pascal Struijk is in the final year of his deal, leaving Leeds to choose between cashing in and extending. Left-footed, ball-playing centre-backs are scarce, so any sale would require an equal or better replacement. Securing a new contract could be as valuable as tying down Ethan Ampadu.

Experience arrived in Jaka Bijol and Anton Stach last summer, now the focus must shift forward. Leeds missed out on Harry Wilson, a free agent, and still need a right-wing or No.10 of that profile. A near-£40m January bid for Jorgen Strand Larsen underlined the search for another striker, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin needing competition.

Goalkeeping is the most uncertain area. Illan Meslier has left, Alex Cairns and Karl Darlow are out of contract, and £16million 2025 signing Lucas Perri has underwhelmed. Leeds must decide on a new No.1 and whether to cut losses on Perri, while Scotland youth Rory Mahady could fill the less pressing fourth-choice berth.

Exits must be judged astutely, with funds from fringe departures such as Joel Piroe and from returning loanees like Joe Gelhardt, while tighter Squad Cost Rules may even draw in Willy Gnonto or Ao Tanaka.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk