The exit news that has emerged around Pascal Struijk within the past 24 hours could hand out a promotion-crippling blow for Leeds United.
Speaking on the Unibet Belgium YouTube channel on Wednesday (15 November), the former RMC journalist Sacha Tavolieri revealed that the 24-year-old is “interested” in a move to Club Brugge ahead of the January transfer window.
He said the Belgian side have maintained their interest from the summer in the Whites centre-back, who could be available for £13.1million after his “price has gone down” from the £15.7million he was previously valued at.
There is no doubt that it could potentially derail Leeds’ promotion hopes if they were to lose the Belgian midway through the season.
He was one of the few first-team players who decided to remain at Elland Road from the side that was relegated from the Premier League last year.
The defender has been a standout in the heart of the Whites defence during this campaign after building up a solid partnership with Joe Rodon.
The pair have helped their side record the joint-second-best defensive record in the Championship, having conceded just 16 goals in as many games.
Struijk featured in every league match up until the 2-1 victory over Plymouth Argyle on Saturday (11 November) after undergoing an operation to deal with a hernia problem.
Prior to missing the game against the Pilgrims, the centre-back had worn the captain’s armband in his previous five outings after taking on more of a leadership role this season.
The Belgian has provided a calm head in front of keeper Illan Meslier, while he also has the ability to play out from the back and start attacks for his side.
His absence over the next few weeks will provide an insight into how important he is for Leeds and whether or not they can afford to lose him.
Daniel Farke will be desperate to ensure the defender doesn’t move on in January despite having Liam Cooper and Charlie Cresswell waiting in the wings as reliable deputies.
It seems unlikely that the club will look to cash in on Struijk unless he makes it clear he wants to leave West Yorkshire or a substantial offer comes in to sign him.
