Leeds United are set to hand Pascal Struijk a new contract at Elland Road.
What's the talk?
That's according to Fabrizio Romano, who revealed in a recent post on Twitter that, following a stellar start to the 2022/23 campaign, Victor Orta and Jesse Marsch have now reached an agreement with the 23-year-old regarding a new deal with the club, with the versatile centre-back set to become a key player for the Whites in terms of first-team importance and salary.
Regarding the Dutchman's new contract, the Italian transfer insider said:
"Excl: Leeds have reached an agreement with Pascal Struijk on a new contract, it will be valid until 2027 - it's done.
"Documents are drafted — improved salary and a new deal will be making Struijk one of the key players of the club, after a brilliant first part of the season."
Fantastic news
As Romano states, considering just how impressive Struijk has been for Leeds so far this season, the Italian's claim that the defender is now set to put pen to paper on a new deal at Elland Road is undoubtedly fantastic news for the club.
Indeed, over his 13 Premier League appearances - all of which have come out of position at left-back - in 2022/23, the £13m-rated talent has been in sensational form, helping his side keep two clean sheets, as well as making an average of 3.2 tackles - the joint sixth-most in the league - 1.6 interceptions, 2.0 clearances and winning 7.1 duels - a success rate of 57% - per game.
The £7k-per-week centre-back has also caught the eye going forwards, having already scored one goal, registered one assist and created two big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 0.8 shots, making 0.9 key passes and completing 0.7 dribbles - at a success rate of 57% - per match.
These returns have seen the former Netherlands youth international - who Tony Dorigo dubbed "magnificent" - average an extremely impressive Sofascore match rating of 6.95, currently ranking him as Marsch's fourth-best performer in the top flight of English football - a rather extraordinary feat considering he has been deployed out of position.
Rather understandably, Struijk's performances have drawn a considerable amount of praise, with James Marschment stating of the Dutchman in a post on Twitter following the news of the defender's new deal:
"Struijk has been one of Leeds' most consistent players this season. Proved his versatility at left-back and looks a great long-term option in the heart of defence. More than deserves a pay hike."
Indeed, taking into account how important the 23-year-old has been for Marsch and his side so far this season, the news that Struijk looks set to remain in LS11 until at least the summer of 2027 is undoubtedly fantastic news for all involved with Leeds, as the former Ajax gem clearly possesses the potential to become a key player for the Whites in the coming years.