Leeds United and Daniel Farke proved a few doubters wrong when they avoided relegation from the Premier League last season, and now, there is a sense that the Whites can build and climb up the table.

Dogged and tenacious fighting helped Leeds away from the relegation zone last season. Now, though, Farke wants to see some bona fide quality added to his line-up, ensuring that the Whites fight on higher ground next season.

However, Brighton & Hove Albion have recently completed an £18m deal for Pascal Struijk in what is a blow to Farke's defensive system at Elland Road.

It's crucial that the 49ers find the right replacement ahead of the new campaign.

Leeds learn fee to sign Struijk replacement

Leeds are trying to complete a sweeping wave of business with time to spare in the summer transfer window. Deals for Harry Wilson and Shea Charles are in the pipeline, with such shrewd additions sure to shore up midfield and creative areas in Farke's set-up.

Struijk became a "crucial" player for Leeds over the years, according to Farke, and it's indeed crucial that the outfit provide the manager with the perfect replacement in the transfer market.

According to Parma Live over in Italy, Leeds have learned that €20m (£17m) would not be enough to complete a deal for Parma defender Mariano Troilo this summer.

Brentford and Sunderland have presented Leeds with rival interest for the 23-year-old, while Fulham's intrigue has cooled after their initial £17m approach was rebuffed by the Serie A side last year. It's revealed that the Italian side will not accepted anything less than that offer if Troilo is to leave.

Parma are adamant that they have not been presented with any new offers in the past several weeks, but Leeds know that they need to fork out a significant fee for this rising star.

It might just be worth the hassle.

Why Troilo can replace Struijk at Leeds

Troilo is young and somewhat inexperienced, but he has enjoyed a fantastic breakout campaign in Italy with Parma, and he has the potential to become a fan favourite at Leeds, physical and controlled on the ball.

A two-footed defender, Troilo would be a fantastic and shrewd replacement for someone like Struijk, arguably more convincing in the duel and better, calmer and more collected, on the ball.

Comparatively, the Argentina centre-half is far less experienced, squeezing into Parma's first team across the second half of last season, having only moved to the club from his homeland one year ago.

Struijk has been a fantastic player for Leeds, a great servant, but he hasn't been flawless over the years, leaving in a good moment but also being criticised as a liability at times during the 2025/26 season.

It's also worth noting that Troilo is three years Struijk's junior, and that he has already shown plenty of potential through his aggressive and fearless approach to defending.

Most people won't know Troilo's name yet, but he has all the attributes to succeed in the Premier League and help Leeds not only in their bid to avoid a relegation battle, but establish a degree of progressiveness that could guide the club toward even greener pastures.