Pascal Struijk has been at Leeds United since he was a teenager, but his seven-year stay at Elland Road could come to an end this summer.
The Dutch defender has a year left on his contract at Leeds, and there is no guarantee that he will sign a new deal to commit his long-term future to Elland Road.
Struijk is believed to be considering leaving Leeds for a fresh challenge, and the Whites are prepared to sell him this summer for the right price if he doesn’t sign a new contract.
Leeds have already been linked with a club-record move for Sporting Lisbon’s Ousmane Dembele, but the club’s ideal successor for Struijk is Premier League-proven.
Leeds United want Ladislav Krejci to replace Struijk
Ladislav Krejci is one of the few players who looked good in a poor Wolves side, who were relegated from the Premier League at the end of the season.
He has been linked with a move to Leeds since the end of last season, and is currently leading the Czech Republic side in the World Cup.
The 27-year-old centre-back scored a brilliant header in the 2-1 defeat to South Korea, and a move to Leeds this summer is a real possibility.
The Athletic’s Beren Cross has confirmed that Leeds admire Krejci and have identified him as a potential replacement for Struijk this summer.
A move will depend on the Dutch defender leaving, and Leeds are trying to convince the centre-back to sign a new contract and stay.
However, they are prepared to pounce on the Wolves centre-back if Struijk moves on from the club before the end of the summer transfer window.
The Wolves defender is left-footed and Premier League proven, and can go straight into the starting eleven because of his experience in the top flight.
Leeds need to get ruthless
Daniel Farke is determined to keep Leeds United progressing and knows the squad will need more quality if the club are to continue establishing itself in the Premier League.
With uncertainty still surrounding Pascal Struijk’s future, Leeds may be better served by taking control of the situation rather than waiting for a decision. A move for Ladislav Krejci would not only strengthen a key area of the team but also underline the club’s intent to raise standards across the squad.
The Wolves defender could provide a long-term solution at the back and give Leeds greater certainty heading into the new season. His arrival would also increase competition for places and potentially bring Struijk’s situation to a natural conclusion.
Acting quickly after the World Cup to secure Krejci, while also moving Struijk on if the right offer arrives, would send a clear message that Leeds are prepared to make bold decisions in pursuit of further progress.
