£75M Chain Reaction Could See Leeds United Star Head for Shock European Move

Leeds United could be on the verge of making a significant decision regarding the future of one of their most valued players, club captain Pascal Struijk, amid rising interest from several high-profile European clubs. According to reports, including claims from reputable journalist Graeme Bailey, the Dutch defender is attracting attention from clubs in both the Premier League and Bundesliga, with RB Leipzig in particular keeping close tabs on his situation.

Following a strong season under Daniel Farke, which saw the Whites narrowly miss out on Premier League promotion, the Elland Road outfit are once again bracing themselves for summer transfer interest in several key players. This mirrors the scenario Leeds faced last summer, when several stars exited in the wake of relegation, forcing the club into a squad rebuild.

Now, as Leeds prepare for another critical summer—this time aiming to fine-tune rather than overhaul their team—the focus has shifted to balancing squad improvements with the financial realities of the English Football League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). And with transfer activity expected to accelerate in the coming weeks, Pascal Struijk’s name is once again in the spotlight.

RB Leipzig Lining Up Shock Struijk Move if Lukeba Departs

The most significant development comes from Germany, where Bundesliga side RB Leipzig are reportedly considering Struijk as a potential replacement for Castello Lukeba. Lukeba, a highly rated centre-back, has a £75 million release clause in his contract, and Leipzig may be forced to cash in if a European heavyweight triggers that figure.

In the event of Lukeba’s departure, Leipzig would need a top-level replacement—and they’ve identified Struijk as a viable option. According to Graeme Bailey, Leipzig admire the Dutchman’s composure, versatility, and leadership qualities, viewing him as someone who could slot straight into their defensive line.

“Struijk is seen as a big player for the club, they like him a lot,” Bailey told Leeds United News. “I’ve been told that RB Leipzig would consider taking him to Germany if Lukeba left.”

Leipzig’s interest is not entirely new. The German side have monitored Struijk’s progress for several seasons and reportedly view him as a player capable of adapting to their tactical system. His ball-playing ability, aerial dominance, and experience at both centre-back and left-back make him a desirable option in their eyes.

Premier League Sides Monitoring the Situation

Leeds aren’t just facing pressure from abroad. Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion have also shown varying degrees of interest in Struijk in the past.

Spurs were admirers of the defender before the January transfer window, but their recent business and defensive reinforcements could mean a deal is now less likely. However, with Cristian Romero’s future reportedly uncertain and Spurs known to favour left-sided centre-backs, Struijk could re-emerge as a target later in the window.

Brighton, too, were previously keen. Yet Bailey reports that the Seagulls’ recent move for Olivier Boscagli from PSV Eindhoven has likely closed the door on any move for Struijk this summer. Brighton are typically strategic in their transfer dealings and tend not to pursue overlapping targets once one deal is completed.

With both English clubs cooling their interest, RB Leipzig currently appear to be the front-runners—should they lose Lukeba.

Leeds Want to Keep Their Captain

Despite the mounting speculation, Leeds United’s stance remains clear: they want to keep Struijk. The 24-year-old has emerged as a leader within the dressing room and was officially named club captain last season under Farke’s leadership. He represents stability and continuity in a squad that saw several changes last summer.

Struijk also offers versatility, having featured at centre-back, left-back, and even as part of a