(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media/Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Sat 23 August 2025 8:30, UK

Pascal Struijk looks set to stay at Leeds United this summer after Villarreal turned their attention to another Premier League defender, sources have told Football Insider.

Sources: Man United make David de Gea decision	Sources: Liverpool learn Rodrygo’s wage demands and make important internal Alexander Isak decision	Sources: Rangers make Russell Martin sack decision

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what his sources have said about the Spanish side’s pursuit of Leeds‘ vice-captain.

Football Insider revealed on 18 August that Villarreal had registered their interest in signing Struijk to strengthen their defence, with the 26-year-old able to play at centre-back, left-back and in midfield.

Struijk started alongside Joe Rodon in the Whites’ Premier League opener against Everton with Jaka Bijol suspended, and kept a clean sheet as Daniel Farke‘s side won 1-0 on their return to the top-flight.

However, after Villarreal agreed a deal to sign Renato Veiga from Chelsea on 20 August, Football Insider sources have said the Champions League contenders are set to end their pursuit of Struijk with the Dutchman’s future secure at Elland Road.

Villarreal have opted to sign Renato Veiga from Chelsea ahead of Pascal Struijk (Credit: Imago)

Farke’s reliance on Struijk looks set to intensify after Ethan Ampadu’s injury against Everton, with Leeds’ longest-serving player set to captain the side against Arsenal on Saturday in the Welshman’s absence.

Speaking on the new Inside Track podcast, O’Rourke stated that Villarreal‘s soon-to-be-confirmed deal for Veiga will end their interest in Struijk, giving Leeds fans assurance that their number five will stay put.

MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES

“Struijk was one of the names on Villarreal’s list as they look to bring in a new centre-back”, he told Football Insider.

“The good news for Leeds fans is that [Villarreal] have now agreed a deal for Renato Veiga from Chelsea, so it looks like they won’t be pursuing any potential move for Struijk.

“Leeds would have been reluctant to sell Pascal Struijk as well – he started their opening game against Everton and did well.

“Leeds will be very confident that they can keep hold of Pascal Struijk now, he’s under contract until 2027.

“Now that Villarreal have almost tied up a deal for Veiga, Leeds will be more than confident that Struijk will remain at the club past the transfer window.”

Struijk is expected to captain Leeds in the absence of Ethan Ampadu (Credit: Imago)

Farke may be without Ampadu for Leeds’ baptism of fire at the Emirates on 23 August, but Bijol’s return from injury could see the German opt for a back three with the Slovenian alongside Rodon and Struijk.

Leeds’ frontline has been strengthened further with the confirmed signing of Noah Okafor from AC Milan, and both the £18million Swiss international and Dominic Calvert-Lewin could feature against Arsenal.

Further additions are needed in attacking midfield and arguably both full-back roles, but with Struijk set to stay in the building for this term at least, Farke has no need to panic about the makeup of his defence.

Related Posts


For more news relating to Everton, visit our sister site EFC Live.