Leeds United ‘reach agreement’ with defender for bumper new deal

Leeds United have agreed a new long-term contract with Pascal Struijk, according to reports. The defender has enjoyed an impressive start to the current campaign.

Struijk joined the Whites from Ajax in 2018 and has risen through the ranks since, establishing himself as a starter under Marcelo Bielsa and also becoming a very handy player to have due to his versatility across the backline and in midfield. The Belgian-born starlet has particularly excelled this season and is has now set to earn himself an increased salary.

Fabrizio Romano revealed on his Twitter account that United have reached an agreement with Struijk over a new contract extending his stay at Elland Road until 2027. He tweeted: “Documents are drafted — improved salary and new deal will be making Struijk one of key players of the club, after brilliant first part of the season.”

The 23-year-old signed a new three-and-a-half year deal with Leeds in November 2020, however that would leave him with only 12 months remaining next summer - leaving the Yorkshire outfit susceptible to interest elsewhere. Struijk will be eager to continue his impressive form in the Premier League after missing out on a place in the Dutch squad for the World Cup. The defender recently declared for the Netherlands in the hope of earning a place on the plane to Qatar but narrowly missed out.

Struijk will return to competitive action with the Whites on December 28 as they host Manchester City in the Premier League. The defender is likely to remain at left-back under Jesse Marsch, with Junior Firpo missing out after struggling to impress since his switch from Barcelona last summer. The pair will both be aiming to impress in Leeds’ friendlies as they face Elche and Real Sociedad as the World Cup tournament takes place.