Soccer Football - Premier League - Crystal Palace v Leeds United - Selhurst Park, London, Britain - October 9, 2022 Leeds United's Pascal Struijk celebrates scoring their first goal with Marc Roca and Jack Harrison REUTERS/Tony Obrien EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk signing a new contract at Elland Road would be great news for the club, according to transfer expert Dean Jones.
The Lowdown: New deal for Struijk
The Whites have had a difficult start to the 2022/23 Premier League season, with a number of players either injured or underperforming, but Struijk isn’t of them.
The Belgian has been a reliable figure for Jesse Marsch, often being used in an auxiliary left-back role and making nine league appearances to date.
Recent claims from Struijk have suggested that he could be open to signing a new deal with Leeds in the near future, with his current contract expiring at the end of next season.
The Latest: Journalist positive about news
Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones was positive about the 23-year-old extending his stay at Elland Road:
“Leeds fans have always liked the commitment he has shown. He’s always been a very good performer.
“I think this is what the club needs right now – players who are committing to them.”
The Verdict: No-brainer for Leeds
A new deal for Struijk makes complete sense, considering he has become a key figure under Marsch and been described as ‘very important’ by former Leeds striker Noel Whelan.
His versatility has shone through at left-back in the absence of Junior Firpo and Stuart Dallas, and at 23, his peak years should still be ahead of him.
It would be a big blow if Leeds now allowed Struijk’s contract to run down without extending his stay, with the defender someone who should be viewed as a long-term hero.
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