Leeds United have a huge hole to fill in the squad as left-sided centre-back Pascal Struijk leaves for Brighton in a £20million deal.
News broke on Saturday night that United have sanctioned a deal to see the longest-serving player in Daniel Farke’s squad leave.
A verbal agreement had been reached between the Whites and Brighton for Pascal Struijk to move for £20million. However, reports on Sunday evening revealed Leeds are actually banking £15million with a further £3million in add-ons.
The rationale for Leeds was Struijk’s reluctance to extend his contract beyond 2027, meaning Leeds either cashed in, or faced losing him for nothing in 12 months.
Now, the 49ers’ task is replacing what Farke described previously as one of the “cornerstones” of the club. Not only just a generally crucial figure in United’s squad, but a rare asset as a left-footed centre-back at the peak of his powers, tasked with a key role in our buildup.
So, it’s not a straightforward replacement job.
Here, I look at a host of individuals I think Leeds should have on the shortlist to replace Struijk…
Ladislav Krejci – Wolves
The most strongly linked name is Wolves and Czechia centre-back Ladislav Krejci. A similar age to Struijk, Krejci wouldn’t have huge resale potential at Elland Road, but would certainly fill the void left by Struijk.
While we’d be losing some of the upside of Struijk’s prowess on the ball, Krejci would improve Leeds’ athleticism down the left, as well as the 27-year-old’s impressive ability to attack set pieces.
Wolves’ relegation opens the door for Krejci to leave at a somewhat modest sum. He joins the Molineux club permanently this summer on a £26million obligation to buy.
You’d imagine Wolves would be happy to break even on that fee.
Maxime Esteve – Burnley
Staying with relegated Premier League talent, a name that’s warming to me the more I think of him is Burnley’s Maxime Esteve.
I think it’s really harsh to tar relegated players with the same brush as not good enough. James Justin falls into that category and is one of the standout signings we made.
Esteve at 23 has a very high ceiling, and would definitely look much more suited to a side not losing most weeks in uninspiring fashion.
Like Struijk, the Frenchman would take plenty of responsibility on the ball, as well as provide solid aerial presence. Importantly, Esteve would add much more pace to the side when covering wide areas.
Frustratingly, Esteve penned a five-year deal last summer, meaning he is contracted until 2030 and might command a handsome fee.
Jhon Lucumi – Bologna
On the other end of the contract situation is Bologna and Colombia star Jhon Lucumi, heading into the final 12 months of his deal.
A starring performance at the heart of a back four against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, Lucumi could be exactly what Leeds need at the back.
Again, he’s comfortable having plenty of the ball, and a physically robust centre-back.
When exploring the options that would come within Leeds’ budget and not spill over into other priorities, Lucumi might be that man.
Tarik Muharemovic – Sassuolo
Staying in the Serie A, Sassuolo and Bosnia’s aggressive Tarik Muharemovic has experienced the best and worst of a World Cup group stage.
There’s been some superb box defending from the 23-year-old, while he missed their final game of the group stages after a red card against Switzerland.
At 6ft4in, Leeds could add serious height and physicality to the squad with the Bosnian. He’s another too, at 23, that has the upside of potentially being worth even more in years to come.
Albian Hajdari – Hoffenheim
Another aggressive centre-back is Hoffenheim’s Kosovan star Albian Hajdari, whose trajectory in the Bundesliga is only going one way.
He’s only been in the German top flight for one season after leaving Swiss side Lugano. But, he’s taken to the challenge of an elite league with relative ease.
Hajdari, 23, might be something of a risk after relatively little experience at the top level, though his start to life at Hoffenheim promises a lot.
Konstantinos Koulierakis – Wolfsburg
Also in Germany, Wolfsburg’s shock relegation is no doubt catching the eye of clubs across Europe to potential bargains.
22-year-old Greek centre-back Konstantinos Koulierakis is one of those that could easily be offered a route to a better club.
A four-goal haul in the Bundesliga despite his side’s struggles is a worthy plus. Leeds are strong at attacking set pieces, so replacing Struijk with another formidable attacking threat would be superb.
Nathan Ake – Manchester City
Perhaps a bold shout, but Nathan Ake doesn’t look to be a core part of the plans at Manchester City, out of contract in a year.
18 appearances for Man City in the league last season suggests he could get more regular playing time elsewhere.
There’ll be plenty of interest in the Dutchman’s services, should he be free to leave the Etihad. However, we proved with Harry Wilson that we’re capable of muscling into these conversations.
As left-sided centre-backs go, Ake would be a statement coup to add experience and starting quality.
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