Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk and Daniel Farke
(Credit: Imago)
Aheed Abrar
Thu 10 July 2025 16:40, UK
Pascal Struijk played a key role for Daniel Farke as Leeds United won Premier League promotion last season.
The Dutchman formed an impressive partnership with Joe Rodon for the Whites as they won the Championship title, beating Burnley on goal difference.
Struijk’s title-winning campaign at Elland Road was cut short after he picked up an injury, with Ethan Ampadu replacing the 25-year-old in the starting lineup.
The centre-back will now hope to play a significant role for Farke in the Premier League and could potentially give the German manager a selection headache.
Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk
Struijk picked up an injury towards the end of last season. (Credit: Imago)
Struijk takes part in beep test after Leeds United bolster defence this transfer window
Leeds held the beep test on Wednesday (9 July) as players returned to Thorp Arch for pre-season training.
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Struijk appeared to complete his checks after being on the sidelines for a considerable period towards the end of the previous campaign.
Competition Appearances Goals Minutes played
Championship 35 5 2821
Struijk’s Championship record last season.
The Dutch defender took part in the beep test as was seen in footage shared by Leeds Live (10 July), and Farke will evidently have a massive decision to make regarding his centre-back pairing at Elland Road.
Jaka Bijol’s arrival from Udinese this summer would suggest that the German manager could potentially drop the 25-year-old from the starting lineup.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke
Farke may have a selection headache in defence at Leeds. (Credit: Imago)
Leeds could sell Struijk if defender demands Elland Road exit
Leeds could possibly sell a key player like Struijk in the ongoing transfer window after heavily bolstering their defence.
The Dutchman may even go as far as demanding an exit if Farke can’t promise him guaranteed game time in the Premier League.
Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu and Sebastiaan Bornauw will also be competing for minutes at centre-back, and it will be interesting to see who the German manager goes with at Elland Road.
Leeds will be confident about their defensive depth going into the upcoming campaign, but they certainly lack options in the midfield and attack.
Struijk’s sale may help the Whites generate the funds needed to build a competitive squad to survive immediate relegation from the Premier League.
The situation in LS11 will be one to keep an eye on as the 25-year-old defender could potentially have to fight for his place under Farke after being an influential figure.
Only time will tell what plans the German manager has in store for the West Yorkshire outfit’s backline.
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