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

Leeds United have been warned it could be hard and costly to replace Pascal Struijk as uncertainty surrounds the defender’s final contract year.

“I think stability is massive,” said Leeds 1991/92 First Division title-winner Gary McAllister. “Struijk and Darlow were key last season. [Joe] Rodon has done amazingly well, too.” According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, he was speaking via BetSelect.

“That link between the goalkeeper and the centre-backs is so important. I think those three in particular had really good seasons. They played a big part in keeping Leeds in the league, but also in pushing away from the bottom.”

Struijk is into the final year of his Leeds deal, with major decisions required from player and club. The 26-year-old could agree fresh terms to extend an eight-year stay or seek a new challenge. If he opts to move, Leeds would have to cash in or risk losing a valuable asset for nothing, having signed him for virtually nothing in 2018.

He is one of two significant contract calls still pending this summer after Ethan Ampadu signed a four-year deal. First-choice goalkeeper Karl Darlow’s terms expire within days, with talks ongoing amid outside interest.

Leeds are expected to assess left-footed defenders regardless, with vice-captain Struijk the only natural left-sided option in a back three for Daniel Farke.

“They're rare. It's hard to buy a centre-back,” McAllister added. “There aren't many out there. Unless you've got to go and spend £50million-plus, and Leeds just aren’t in that position.”

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk