Crystal Palace are reportedly eyeing a move for a former Leeds United defender as they prepare for the possible departure of Marc Guehi in 2026. With the England international attracting strong interest from Premier League giants such as Manchester United and Tottenham, Palace are already drawing up contingency plans to secure a capable replacement. One name that has surprisingly emerged on their radar is Pascal Struijk, the versatile Dutch defender Leeds United sold for around £4 million last year.
The decision to target Struijk highlights Palace’s long-term recruitment vision under manager Oliver Glasner. Guehi’s performances since joining from Chelsea have made him one of the league’s most consistent centre-backs. Calm under pressure, comfortable on the ball, and strong in duels, Guehi has grown into a natural leader at Selhurst Park. However, with several top-flight clubs monitoring his situation and his contract running down, Palace know they could face a major defensive rebuild sooner rather than later.
Struijk’s profile makes him a fascinating option. The Dutchman, who joined Leeds from Ajax’s academy in 2018, was initially seen as a project player under Marcelo Bielsa but developed into a reliable first-team regular. His tactical intelligence and ability to play both as a centre-back and a left-back make him particularly appealing to Glasner, whose system values defenders capable of carrying the ball and transitioning quickly. Despite being sold for just £4 million after Leeds’ relegation struggles, Struijk’s stock has quietly risen again following consistent performances in the Championship and abroad.
Crystal Palace’s scouting department reportedly views Struijk as a “low-cost, high-upside” target. His blend of physicality, composure, and experience in both the Premier League and English second tier provides the kind of balance Palace need if Guehi eventually leaves. Moreover, Struijk’s age — still only in his mid-20s — fits the club’s model of signing players with room for growth and resale value.
While Guehi’s potential exit would certainly be a blow, Palace have shown an impressive ability to rebuild over the years. The likes of Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise, and Tyrick Mitchell are proof that the club can find and develop top-quality talent. Glasner, who guided the team to safety with an exciting brand of progressive football last season, has reportedly requested at least one left-footed central defender to maintain balance in his back line. Struijk ticks that box perfectly.
Financially, Palace could also benefit if Guehi’s departure triggers a sizeable transfer fee — potentially north of £50 million. Such funds could allow them to reinvest smartly across multiple positions, with Struijk’s arrival offering both affordability and stability. Leeds’ decision to sell him for £4 million may come to look like a bargain Palace could exploit.
In many ways, this potential move represents the evolving nature of Crystal Palace under Glasner. They are no longer the reactive, survival-first side of old, but a club trying to plan two or three windows ahead. If Struijk joins, he could be the next understated success story at Selhurst Park — much like Guehi himself once was.
The Premier League may soon witness another smart piece of business from the Eagles — a calculated bet on a player Leeds once let go cheaply, but who now appears ready for another crack at top-flight football.
Be the first to comment