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(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Mon 18 August 2025 12:47, UK

Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk is being chased by Villarreal in the closing stages of the transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.

The Spanish club have registered their interest in signing the centre-back, who can also play at left-back, before the window shuts on 1 September.

Leeds’ response on whether they are willing to accept an offer for the long-standing star is unknown at this stage.

Struijk, 26 has been a key player for Leeds since Daniel Farke took over at Elland Road in 2023, making 63 appearances across his two seasons in charge.

However, with two years remaining on his current contract, Leeds may be tempted to cash in as their last chance to make maximum profit from his sale.

Pascal Struijk is attracting interest from Villarreal.

(Credit: Imago)

The signings of Sabastiaan Bornauw, Jaka Bijol and Gabriel Gudmundsson have seen Leeds bolster their defensive ranks with the addition of further depth.

As a result, questions have been raised about Struijk’s role in the side despite his prominent role under Farke, with the squad now looking stronger than ever.

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Villarreal, meanwhile, are planning to build on last season’s fifth-placed finish which secured them qualification for the Champions League.

There is a feeling that the defender could be tempted to make the step up to play European football rather than endure another potential relegation battle at Elland Road.

Having made their interest known, it remains to be seen whether the Spanish outfit will make a formal offer for his services and whether Leeds would give the green light.

Struijk is not the only player who could be leaving Elland Road in the transfer window’s closing stages amid ongoing speculation about Illan Meslier’s future.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 18 August that Meslier is expected to leave Leeds and a deal could happen within days.

Illan Meslier looks likely to leave Leeds United.

(Credit: Imago)

Farke has given the go-ahead for the goalkeeper’s sale following the arrival of Lucas Perri, and there is now a growing feeling that a new offer will be accepted.

Brown told Football Insider in April that Leeds would be open to offers for Meslier after completing a deal for his replacement as work was already underway.

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