The 49ers and Leeds United cannot afford to retain all of the first-team squad from last season’s sensational Championship campaign under Daniel Farke.
Leeds United are increasing their transfer activity after four signings but Paraag Marathe has already confirmed the need for Leeds sales this summer.
Willy Gnonto and Pascal Struijk have been earmarked as PSR sales potentially, alongside Mateo Joseph. However, amid concerns growing over Struijk’s Leeds future, he could be the one to raise the funds in order to conduct serious business.
Adam Pope has raised concerns over Struijk’s future previously and Jaka Bijol’s signing for Leeds may have concerned Struijk, with Sebastiaan Bornauw’s arrival potentially having him sweat a little more as well about his place in the pecking order.
Leeds United FC v Coventry City FC - Sky Bet Championship
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Pascal Struijk could be sold by Leeds for PSR
Beren Cross explained the Struijk PSR situation recently, but the noise regarding his future simply won’t go away, even if a quick solution would be to hand Struijk a new contract at Leeds.
Speaking via the Inside Elland Road Podcast, Joe Donnohue and Graham Smyth explained the financial situation at Leeds and Struijk’s future at Elland Road.
Donnohue said: “The defence is looking in good shape. I wouldn’t rule out another arrival, because there’s so much more of the window to go. They might decide that they need a little bit more cover.”
Smyth added: “I would like to see a little bit more defensively. And, obviously, a goalkeeper. That’s a hugely, hugely important part of the puzzle.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
“But happy enough with the defensive core, as it stands. Still wondering if Pascal might be one that goes this summer.
“Just because we know they need a sale or two — and because he represents pure profit. But happy enough for now.
“I think the next couple of signings could do with being a little bit more exciting from an optics and narrative point of view.”
That being said, having donned the captain’s armband throughout the last two seasons at various different points up until his injury issues arose, it’s clear that Farke sees Struijk as one of his most crucial players.
He, Ethan Ampadu, and Illan Meslier were named as the leadership group last season, with Ampadu captain and Struijk the primary vice captain as a leader of the new-look Leeds side.
Leeds United centre-back Pascal Struijk with Daniel Farke
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Farke believes Struijk is a ‘cornerstone’ of Leeds’ future
Naturally, promotion forces the hand of many teams into being ruthless, and Struijk could be the one facing the axe from that given his obvious benefit financially via a sale from a PSR book value of zero.
However, Farke loves the Dutchman. When asked about his post-international break recovery back in 2023/24, Farke felt the need to underline the 25-year-old’s importance to the side.
Speaking via The Yorkshire Evening Post, he called Struijk a cornerstone of the club’s future. Farke said: “Feels a bit crazy that we didn’t speak about him last two months and thank God we didn’t have to because our defensive behaviour was spot on.
“He’s a cornerstone for our future. We play without such a key player for two months, once he’s back in team training it’s not like you press a button and he’s back to his best.
“I expect him to be back in team training other side of international break at latest. Hopefully as soon as possible back in best possible shape.“
Selling a ‘cornerstone’ piece of the side seems like it would go against how highly valued he is by Farke and the club, unless an offer is made for Struijk that is simply far too much to turn down this summer.
Having been at the club since 2018, he is also among the longest-serving players in Leeds’ squad. That Premier League experience could also be vital to survival as well.