Leeds United will reportedly go all out to keep 26-year-old Dutch defender Pascal Struijk at Elland Road beyond the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Football Insider, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur are interested in 26-year-old Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk. The three Premier League clubs are keen on reinforcing their defensive units by signing a centre-back this summer. However, the Whites are “doing everything in their power” to keep their skipper at Elland Road beyond the 2025/26 season.
How has Pascal Struijk fared at Leeds United so far?
Pascal Struijk has established himself as a pivotal figure since joining Leeds United from Ajax in January 2018. The 26-year-old initially spent some time with the West Yorkshire club’s under-23 team before becoming a regular for the senior side. Even after breaking into the first-team squad, the Dutchman was initially error-prone before becoming a reliable presence at the back.
The Dutch defender has made nearly 200 appearances for Leeds United thus far while chipping in with 14 goals and one assist. However, Struijk’s long-term future at Elland Road has been uncertain due to the emerging links with several high-profile Premier League clubs. Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur are among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.
A man in demand
Aston Villa may dip into the market for a centre-back this summer, as Tyrone Mings is on the wrong side of 30 and approaching the twilight of his career. Even if the experienced English centre-back remains at Villa Park, his fitness issues have made him an unreliable figure for the West Midlands outfit. So, Struijk has emerged as a viable target for Aston Villa.
Meanwhile, Pascal Struijk has been on Tottenham Hotspur’s wishlist for a long time. The continued interest makes sense, as Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs. While the Lilywhites are eager to keep the first-choice centre-backs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the long haul, they must keep their options open.
As for Newcastle United, the Magpies are planning for life after Fabian Schar and Dan Burn, as the two veteran centre-backs are in the final phase of their careers. Additionally, Sven Botman has struggled with fitness issues in recent seasons, prompting Newcastle United to seek a centre-back signing ahead of the 2026/27 season.
However, while Struijk is a viable target for Newcastle United, Leeds United’s decision to go all out to keep the 26-year-old Dutchman may create a frustrating situation for them. Nevertheless, the latest update may not deter Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Tottenham, and they will attempt to secure his services in the coming months.
