Leeds target free agent John Stones to fill Struijk void after Brighton sale

Leeds United are considering a free transfer move for John Stones as Daniel Farke looks to replace Pascal Struijk, who was sold to Brighton for an initial £18 million earlier this summer.

Struijk’s departure was driven in part by Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) compliance, with Leeds required to complete the sale before the end of June. The Dutch centre-back had entered the final year of his contract, and his exit has left Farke short of cover at the back.

Stones, 32, became a free agent upon leaving Manchester City and is currently representing England at the World Cup. A product of Barnsley’s academy, the six-time Premier League champion would be familiar with Yorkshire and could remain in the top flight without relocating — factors that could make Leeds an attractive destination.

His availability comes despite a restricted domestic season. Stones made just five Premier League appearances for City last term as Pep Guardiola prioritised a central defensive partnership between Marc Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov. Stones himself acknowledged the situation was about more than fitness: “I was fit enough 100 per cent, it comes down to various things.”

England manager Thomas Tuchel has shown faith in the veteran, selecting him ahead of Guehi for the Three Lions’ opening group fixture against Croatia. Stones also featured in England’s round-of-16 victory over Mexico, underlining that his quality remains intact even if his club minutes have dried up.

The potential signing fits a pattern Leeds have established this summer. The club moved quickly to sign Harry Wilson on a free transfer from Fulham, and have also been linked with Julian Brandt following his departure from Borussia Dortmund. That approach to cost-effective recruitment is freeing up funds for higher-profile targets, including Southampton midfielder Shea Charles.

Chairman Paraag Marathe has spoken publicly about Leeds pursuing “a few moonshots” during the window, and Farke will be eager to address the defensive gap left by Struijk before the new Championship season begins. Struijk featured in 33 league fixtures last term, and Leeds will need comparable reliability from whoever steps in.