Leeds United have reportedly agreed a new five-year deal with defender Pascal Struijk. Journalist Fabrizio Romano claims the Whites have drafted up and agreed terms with the Netherlands defender.
Struijk has played a key part in the Whites' survival bid last season and has been one of the standout performers this campaign, in an unorthodox left-back slot. Romano claims the Whites have offered the 23-year-old improved terms to reflect Struijk's standing within the squad.
Romano tweeted: "Leeds have reached an agreement with Pascal Struijk on new contract, it will be valid until 2027 — it’s done. #LUFC Documents are drafted — improved salary and new deal will be making Struijk one of key players of the club, after brilliant first part of the season."
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Struijk recently chose to declare for the Netherlands in the hope of reaching the World Cup in Qatar, but missed out on a space in Louis Van Gaal's final squad after being included in the provisional list. Despite not playing in his usual position at centre-half, Tim Vrouwe, who works for Forza Sports Group and represents the Leeds United player, believes it's a good thing.
He told SoccerNews as saying: “At Oranje they play with five at the back and at Leeds with four. I think it’s good that he plays as a left-back at Leeds.
“That shows that he is versatile, something Van Gaal appreciates in players. He focuses on the position of central and left central defender, and left-back position. He could also play as a ‘six’, where he often played at Leeds, but that is his least favourite position.”
Struijk himself is still getting used to the role and developing in that position. He told Voetbal Primeur : “I now play at left back, which is new for me. I am developing in this position.”
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