Questions about Pascal Struijk’s Leeds United future raised after huge claim – club may have lined up his replacement

Leeds United accelerated their transfer window over the past week. Moves were made and some deals were put into place, with a major announcement during the weekend.

The Whites announced the signing of Lukas Nmecha on a free transfer. The German forward will officially join the club in July when his contract with the Bundesliga side ends. But that was not the only deal the club was pushing for last week.

Leeds are still actively engaged in talks with Udinese over Jaka Bijol. The Whites have already had a bid rejected, and are pushing to complete the deal.

QUIZ: Can you name these past and present Leeds United players?

1 of 10

1.

Jamie Shackleton Robbie Gotts Charlie Cresswell Leif Davis

Pundit questions future of Leeds United star

Credit: Imago Images

With the news surrounding a possible deal for Udinese star Jaka Bijol last week, many have wondered what the implication could be for the rest of the squad. Ian Darke has suggested that the Slovenian is arriving to replace club captain Pascal Struijk:

“I think he was pretty good at the Euros, Slovenia, they played England didn’t they, they went out but they didn’t concede many goals.

“They obviously think he is an upgrade on Struijk, I mean, they have seen Struijk in the Premier League, they know what he can and cannot do.” he told MOT Leeds News.

“They may be just looking to bolster the squad, but there are going to be a few comings and goings. We are still pretty early in the window, aren’t we?

“I seem to remember that guy being surprisingly solid and good, and I remember commentating at the Euros and saying these Slovenian defenders are no slouches.”

Will Bijol replace Struijk?

Despite what Ian Darke believes, it is more likely that the Slovenian international comes in to replace Max Wober. The Austrian has already announced that Leeds are keen on selling him this summer. And with signing another defender who has the quality to be a starter, it only increases depth at the position.

Leeds having Rodon, Struijk and Bijol would be a solid core that will hold up well in the Premier League. Fans often forget that depth is key at the top flight, where your squad will need to win you games when your starters cannot. It is a good move by Leeds to add Bijol to the team even if Struijk is there.