Leeds United had one of their best seasons in years when they lifted the Championship this summer. 95 goals scored and one of the best defences in the division in a solid campaign.
Daniel Farke and his men will be in the Premier League next season, which will be a huge challenge on its own. But the fans should know that some summer exits should be expected. With PSR rules hovering around the club, Leeds know that they will have to balance their spending with some sales.
So far, the club has splashed around £30million this summer. And some would say it is money well spent; the club have boosted the backline with Jaka Bijol and Gabriel Gudmundsson. Sebastiaan Bornauw and Lukas Nmecha will be solid depth pieces off the bench next season.
QUIZ: Can you name these 10 Leeds United players from the 2000s?
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Pascal Struijk makes his future clear
Credit: Imago Images
With almost every player in the first team having reported for training, Leeds are in full flow ahead of their camp in Germany.
Daniel Farke will announce the travelling squad for the rest of the pre-season tour, with many expecting some names to be dropped. One player who will definitely be on the tour is club captain Pascal Struijk. The defender is enthusiastic about the club’s return to the top flight:
“Seeing last year the level that is in the Premier League now, you need to be at top level.
“We have got a good six/seven weeks to prepare and be the best we can from the start of the season.”
Struijk missed the final weeks of last season due to injury, but is now back on the pitch.
Leeds United captain was linked with exit
Earlier this summer, Graham Smyth and Joe Donnohue discussed PSR, and Leeds’ books. And their conversation was around which of the players the club could sell for profit. Pascal Struijk was one of the names.
“…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.”
Struijk is one of the club’s best defenders
Not only is Pascal Struijk a standout for Leeds, he was statistically one of the best ball playing defenders in the Championship last season. His ability on the ball was key in Daniel Farke’s tactics.
Credit: Danishscout
In the Premier League, it might be different. But during his last campaign in the top flight, he showed Leeds fans why he deserved a place in the team for the future.
