Pascal Struijk is reportedly set to stay put at Leeds United after Villarreal signed Renato Veiga from Chelsea earlier this week.

Leeds United have received a timely boost in their defensive ranks, with vice-captain Pascal Struijk now set to remain at Elland Road following Villarreal’s decision to move for Renato Veiga instead.

According to Football Insider, the Spanish club had identified Struijk as a target earlier this summer as they looked to reinforce their backline, but with Veiga’s arrival close to completion, senior journalist Pete O’Rourke has confirmed on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast that La Liga outfit Villarreal are no longer pursuing the Dutchman.

Villarreal’s interest in Struijk was first reported earlier this summer, with the versatile defender appealing due to his ability to operate at centre-back, left-back, and even in midfield. However, their priorities shifted quickly once talks progressed with Chelsea for Veiga.

That deal, finalised over the weekend, effectively ends Villarreal’s chase for Struijk and ensures Leeds United won’t face late-window pressure to cash in on one of their longest-serving players.

For Daniel Farke, this development could hardly be more significant. With Ethan Ampadu sidelined after picking up an injury against Everton, Struijk is expected to wear the armband and lead the Whites out against Arsenal this Saturday.

Struijk was a standout in the Premier League opener, forming a solid partnership with Joe Rodon in the heart of defence and keeping a clean sheet as Leeds United secured a 1-0 victory at Elland Road. His performance underlined his importance not just as a versatile option, but as a leader in a squad balancing youthful energy with Premier League experience.

Leeds United have always been reluctant sellers when it comes to Struijk. The 26-year-old signed a long-term contract extension in 2022, keeping him tied to Elland Road until 2027. That deal put the club in a strong position to fend off interest, but Villarreal’s pursuit was the most serious test of their resolve this summer.

Now, with Veiga on his way to La Liga, Leeds are “very confident” Struijk will stay, with Farke building his defensive setup around him. The Yorkshire side’s return to the top flight will demand consistency and leadership, and Struijk embodies both. His ability to play multiple roles provides Farke with tactical flexibility, and his seniority in the dressing room makes him an essential figure during this transitional campaign.

With speculation now cooling, Struijk looks set to play a key role in Leeds United’s Premier League survival bid, a reassuring outcome for supporters who were bracing for the possibility of losing another core player late in the window.