How Leeds could replace Pascal Struijk

For all of Leeds United‘s success last season, it looks like they have not done enough to keep hold of Pascal Struijk. The central defender is heading to Brighton & Hove Albion a year before his Elland Road deal ends, with the Whites set to receive around £20m.

It’s a frustrating blow for Daniel Farke, who has little choice but to watch on as a player brings the curtains down on an eight-year spell in Yorkshire.

Replacing Struijk after so many years won’t be a routine task, but the 49ers have already got a number of names lined up who could do exactly that.

Who could replace Struijk at Leeds?

The task becomes even tougher for Leeds after arguably Struijk’s best season at Elland Road. The 26-year-old featured in 34 of 38 Premier League games and started 33. He was the consistent member of Farke’s backline. Even as the German switched to a back five, Struijk remained crucial.

Nonetheless, there’s no standing in the way of his exit and Leeds have been forced to assess their options ahead of their second campaign back in the top flight.

It’s seen names like Nico Elvedi emerge and the fact that he’s worked with Farke in the past should certainly boost any transfer chances. Whether that’s enough to tempt the 49ers into matching Borussia Mönchengladbach’s £9m asking price remains to be seen, however.

Instead, the American owners could land a player who’s already got Premier League experience. According to TEAMtalk, Leeds have opened talks to sign Ladislav Krejci from Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer.

The Czech Republic captain spent the second-half of last season on loan at Girona and is now heading back to Wolves, who are looking for a hefty £40m to sell their defender.

As a result of that, he would become their biggest transfer in Leeds history. It would be quite the move.

Why Krejci could be Leeds’ dream replacement

Krejci’s ability to play in a back three has particularly attracted Farke and Leeds in their system, but there remains question marks over their ability to spend what would be a club-record asking price.

After all, it’s easy to write relegated players off, particularly when they’ve just endured the nightmare that Leeds are desperate to avoid.

Ask some of the top clubs in England, however, and they’ll be quick to point out some incredible deals. Think Andy Robertson and Georginio Wijnaldum to Liverpool. They entered as relegated stars and left as serial winners.

Leeds now have the chance to swoop in and land Krejci in similar fashion. The 6 foot 2 defender has shown plenty of promise despite difficult collective campaigns at Wolves and Girona, and certainly deserves another shot at the Premier League.

In a struggling Wolves side last season, Krejci still proved his worth at times. He particularly impressed off the ball, winning more tackles than Struijk per game, and may at least get the chance to improve his passing numbers in a more complete side like Leeds.

What is important to note is how tall the defender is. It’s become quite the theme at Elland Road since their return to the Premier League and replacing Struijk’s 6 foot 2 frame is just as important as replacing his defensive ability. Krejci, standing at the same height, would arguably do both. Whether or not he’s a £40m player remains to be seen, but they need a replacement and a Premier League-proven one is certainly a good idea.

Losing the Brighton-bound star will be a major blow, but that exit once again allows Leeds to dip into the market and welcome an ideal replacement this summer.