- Leeds United ‘desperate’ to keep Newcastle United transfer target
- Magpies struggling with defensive injuries this season
- Face competition from Premier League clubs
Newcastle United are looking to add centre-backs to their ranks this summer, with injuries being a severe issue amongst their options. Eddie Howe’s side have turned their attention to Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk, who could be a possible candidate.
The Yorkshire Post reports that talks have advanced with the Magpies as well as other Premier League sides, with Tottenham offering the most resistance to Howe’s team at this stage.
The Dutchman has been one of the first names on the team sheet under manager Daniel Farke this season as they look to avoid the drop, and this past weekend, he scored the penalty which claimed The Whites’ place in the FA Cup semi final.
Pascal Struijk becoming fan favourite at Leeds United
Struijk began his career at ADO Den Haag and climbed through their youth ranks until 2016, when the biggest team in the country, Ajax, came knocking.
He featured in the under-19 side, where he partnered current Magpie defender Sven Botman. They would only play next to each other for two seasons before Leeds United came knocking.
He broke into Marcelo Bielsa’s side once they won the Championship in 2020, playing the final three league matches, and it clearly impressed the current Uruguay manager as he made 27 Premier League appearances the following season.
Being in the top flight or the second tier hasn’t affected him, as he has been a staple of the side for the past five years, whether that’s being featured as a left back or a centre half.
| Pascal Struijk Premier League 25/26 | Stats |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 28 |
| Accurate pass rate | 88% |
| Key passes per game | 0.4 |
| Accurate long ball rate | 45% |
| Dribbled past per game | 0.5 |
| Errors leading to goals | 0 |
| Tackles per game | 1.1 |
| Ball recoveries per game | 3.6 |
Last season, he was named captain on many occasions and even scored two important goals against Sunderland in a 2-1 win over the Black Cats.
This season, he has been a part of a back three, with him mainly playing off the left. His ball-playing ability, combined with composure in possession and being strong in the air, has led to many suitors for the 26-year-old if he were to leave Elland Road.
Newcastle United make way for a new defender
While Struijk had a partnership with their current Dutch defender, it could be likely that he is his replacement.
Botman and Fabian Schar continue to suffer injuries, and with the games coming thick and fast, the Magpies have been short of options.
Similarities between 34-year-old Dan Burn can also be struck with them being left-footed, and can also operate from full back or centre half.
Malick Thiaw has had a strong debut season at St James’ Park and has justified the £35 million fee paid for him from AC Milan.
Struijk’s experience in England is important, making him fit directly into a team that is fighting for European places.
While Spurs seem ready to put up a fight with the Black and Whites, a move for Struijk could be crucial in allowing the Magpies to add quality to a side looking to turn their fortunes around.
In other news, ‘Incredible’: Newcastle United, Chelsea and Brighton learn £45m bagsman value.
