Leeds United identify Pascal Struijk replacement as stats show close match | OneFootball

Pascal Struijk will not sign a new Leeds United contract and is set to join Brighton for £20m. According to Leedsunited.news, Leeds have already identified Kelly as his replacement.

The former Ajax academy defender departs eight and a half years after arriving during Victor Orta’s era. With 12 months left, Leeds opted to sell after offering a new deal or a move.

His arrival would see the Seagulls replace Jan Paul van Hecke, who joined Tottenham for £52m.

Kelly is a left-footed centre-back with Premier League, Championship and Champions League experience, and is comfortable in different systems.

A left-footed profile is essential to replace Struijk, and Kelly fits that brief. Both are viewed as reliable and consistent.

The main defensive numbers are strikingly similar. Struijk edges a few metrics, probably only because he played 62 extra minutes in the 25-26 season. If Leeds want someone the right age, in budget and proven in the Premier League, Kelly fits, which is why the former Newcastle man is being targeted.

Source: Leedsunited.news