Struijk has drawn interest from other clubs, therefore Leeds may find it tough to hold onto him given his stellar play this season.
Leeds supporters admire Struijk’s possession talents, but some question his defensive positioning and lack of quickness.
Struijk has grown more self-assured and developed under Farke’s guidance, emerging as one of Leeds’ top performers this year. In the squad, he has also assumed more leadership and responsibility.
The Dutchman, who Capology estimates makes £50,000 a week at Leeds, was linked to a summer departure from Elland Road. According to a report by Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Club Brugge turned their focus to Struijk after selling fellow central defenders Abakar Sylla and Jack Hendry.
In addition to confirming those connections last week, Phil Hay of The Athletic also revealed that Farke made a concerted effort to hold onto Struijk this summer.
“As a manager with the power to make decisions, Farke was given the opportunity to leave his mark on the team from the day of his appointment in July. Three of the players Leeds discussed selling during the summer transfer window—Pascal Struijk, Illan Meslier, and Crysencio Summerville—are among those who have played the most minutes under him, which serves as part of the evidence for that.
“The entrance of Farke changed their plans, as Club Bruges was keen on Struijk, Burnley made a last-minute bid for Summerville, and Meslier was the focus of several inquiries, including one from Celta Vigo. Leeds kept all three players because Farke insisted on it. They were promptly removed from the list of possible escapes.”
