Here are your Leeds United morning headlines for Saturday, November 21.
Struijk’s big jump earns its rewards
Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk has explained the “big jump” he had to overcome when leaving Ajax to join the club.
The 21-year-old, who broke into the Leeds United first-team last season, has put pen to paper on a new three-and-a-half year deal, which will run until the end of the 2023/2024 season.
Struijk started in Marcelo Bielsa’s first Premier League XI against Liverpool on the opening day of the season with Liam Cooper injured, and has also filled in for Kalvin Phillips in holding midfield.
“I feel super happy. It’s always nice to be offered a new deal.
“In a couple of years, I’ve grown quite a lot," he told LUTV.
“It was a big jump for me when I left Ajax, I was quite nervous, I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to go.
“I decided to do it and ever since it’s been really good.”
Arsenal boss expects Leeds “to go full gas”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is anticipating a tough contest against a “very aggressive” opponent in Leeds.
The two clubs will meet at Elland Road on Sunday afternoon, with the Gunners boss also wary of underestimating the additional preparation the Whites have been afforded by the international break.
“They will go full gas like they always do and they have had two weeks to prepare for the game,” Arteta said.
“They don’t have as many internationals as us and I don’t expect them to change too much.”
He went on to describe Leeds as “very loyal to their principles, to the way they play” – implying that Leeds’ approach does not differ depending on who their opponent may be.
Kent could move to Leeds in January – Phillips
Ryan Kent may be preparing for a Rangers exit to join Leeds or another top club after changing his agents, according to Kevin Phillips.
The former England striker told Football Insider that “there is no smoke without fire”, with the Ibrox winger likely to have one eye on a big-money move.
Kent’s family have taken over his representation, with Rangers keen to tie down the 24-year-old, who was the subject of a £10 million offer from Leeds earlier in the year.
Phillips said: “There is always a reason a player changes agent, so it would not surprise me if something was to materialise in the January window at Leeds or somewhere else.”
