Leeds United made their first piece of business this summer securing Ethan Ampadu long term. The club captain was coming off a fantastic season, and the ownership were keen on a deal.
Club chairman Paraag Marathe indicated that there was no hesitation between both parties to agree to the deal.
Leeds also offered contracts to Sam Byram, Alex Cairns and Karl Darlow. Cairns verbally agreed to a deal to continue at Elland Road, after spending last season as the reserve keeper.
Adam Pope hinted that Sam Byram could decide not to sign his contract.
Karl Darlow is also yet to decide on his future; Manchester United are interested but this week, it was reported that the veteran was keen on staying at Elland Road.
Brighton agree deal for Leeds United star
Speaking of contracts, there were a few Leeds United stars entering the last year of their contracts.
Ethan Ampadu was one of them, but the club moved quickly to sort his deal out. Brenden Aaronson, Pascal Struijk, Lukas Nmecha, Ilia Gruev and Joel Piroe are the other players in the final year of their deals.
Leeds will now have to decide on the futures of some of these players, whether to give them a new deal or keep them.
And it looks like the Whites have decided on the future of Pascal Struijk.
The Athletic are reporting that Leeds have verbally agreed a deal to sell the defender for £20 million. There has been no concrete offer yet, but that is likely to happen soon.
READ MORE: Leeds United in ‘ongoing negotiations’ to sign World Cup star
Why Leeds are letting Pascal Struijk go
The report by Beren Cross touches on why the defender could be on his way out of Elland Road.
It is believed Struijk is after a new challenge after a long spell with Leeds United. Cross adds that the defender had a contract offer, but will not sign a new deal in the summer.
This has in turn forced the Whites’ hand to try and get some money off him this summer instead of losing him for free.
Pascal Struijk earned a lot of suitors for how well he played this past year. Leeds reportedly turned down a huge bid for him from a European club in the last summer window.
The 49ers now have a task on their hands to get a good transfer fee while finding a decent replacement.
He’s a good solid player but if it was a choice of losing Bijok or Rodon or Struijk then I’m sorry but he is the weakest link. He’s in the last year of his contract and he wants to go. He’s is slow over 10 yards and for a guy who finds such good positions from corners he can’t head a ball for nuts. Finally someone is willing pay us 300/400k per week left on his contract. That’s good business. Wish you the best Struijk and thanks for your 8 years MOT