Pascal Struijk has been the first confirmed transfer exit for Leeds United this summer. The defender was signed by Brighton and Hove Albion last week.
The news came as a bit of a surprise, as many had thought Struijk would feature next season.
But the Dutchman was in the final 12 months of his contract, and per reports, he had no intention of extending it. This meant that Leeds had to take the ideal offers that came in for him.
Struijk reportedly wanted a ”new challenge” after starring in his return to the Premier League.
Clubs had been eyeing him since January, so it was not a surprise that he was signed in this transfer window.
Reason behind exit of Leeds United star revealed
Another player set to leave Elland Road this summer is Leeds United youngster Harry Gray.
Per reports, he has agreed to leave on loan to Sheffield Wednesday for this season. Both clubs have already agreed to the terms, and an announcement for the young striker will be made soon.
Gray spent the second half of last season on loan at Rotherham United, where he managed three goals in 20 appearances.
For his first season of senior first team football, it was not really a bad outing.
The Athletic have outlined the reasons why Leeds chose Sheffield Wednesday as the teenager’s next destination. To the Whites, they feel like League One is a good place to continue his development.
Leeds feel like playing in front of a huge crowd at a club of this stature will go a long way to helping Harry Gray.
Sheffield Wednesday have already sold over 20,000 tickets for the 2026/27 season. Gray will get a real taste of what it is like to play for a crowd that expects a lot.
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Right decision by the club
At his age, Harry Gray should definitely be in and around first team football.
Last season, Daniel Farke was willing to be very patient with him at the start of the season. It is believed Gray was the one who pushed to join Rotherham on loan in January.
It worked out; 20 games at a competitive senior level under their belt with three goals and an assist – not bad for a teenager.
Loaning him out for a full season is the right step taken by the club’s ownership. Gray is their future, and they need to manage him properly. A lot of top players gained massive experience out on loan.
Sheffield Wednesday would give the young striker a real taste of senior level football over the course of a campaign.
