Leeds United transfer news: The tactical importance of replacing outgoing Pascal Struijk

The Dutch centre-back is reportedly on the verge of agreeing a move to Brighton and Hove Albion believed to be worth around £20m.

The news is not a great shock, as Struijk was about to enter the final 12 months of his contract on Wednesday, and apparently showing no inclination to sign a new one. The noises from Elland Road were always that Leeds would have to give serious thought to cashing in on their asset this summer, and that is now set to be the case.

But even before Struijk's departure, the Whites were on the lookout for a left-sided central defender, now their need is greater still.

James Justin and to a lesser extent Sebastiaan Bornauw filled in to good effect on the rare occasions Struijk was missing last season, but much more so in a back three than a back four, modern coaches like to have a left footer on the left side of central defence. To not do so close off the far side of the pitch a little.

For much of Struijk's Leeds career they have played with a four, but since December, 3-4-2-1 has become manager Daniel Farke's strong preference, and Struijk a key part of it.

The left-footed Gabriel Gudmundsson played on the left of a back three in Sweden's final group game of the World Cup, but Farke much prefers him at left wing-back, where he is the only left-footed option.

In an era of increasing financial fair play regulation, clubs have to be ever more wary of balancing their spending out with sales.

Struijk joined Leeds from Ajax when his contract expired in the summer of 2018 and his transfer fee will be banked as pure profit, as compared to a player they had spent a fee on.

The 26-year-old started 33 of Leeds' 38 Premier League games last season, taking his tally of league appearances for the club to 182, but it was clear he was looking for a fresh challenge. It therefore makes more sense to sell him now than lose him on a free transfer in 12 months' time.

Struijk was an important figure on set pieces when Leeds won the Championship in 2024-25 – the second time the defender was promoted with them – but did not find the net last season when the club deliberately brought in bigger targets to aim for at dead balls.

Nico Elvedi, linked with Leeds this summer, is right footed and primarily played as the central man of three in Borussia Monchengladbach's 3-4-2-1 formation last season. He has been used as the right-sided centre-back in a Switzerland back four at the World Cup.

Leeds are looking at upgrade across the team for next season. A new goalkeeper may be needed if Karl Darlow cannot be persuaded to sign a new contract, former Sheffield Wednesday loanee Shea Charles is a midfield target, and a reliable goalscorer to challenge Dominic Calvert-Lewin at centre-forward would be important. Their first signing of the summer is likely to be creative and versatile forward Harry Wilson.

Leeds tried to sign the Wales international in August but were unable to persuade Fulham to sell. This week, though, he is out of contract.