Brighton Sign Pascal Struijk From Leeds United For GBP 20 Million

Brighton have confirmed the arrival of defender Pascal Struijk from Leeds United on a five-year contract. The Premier League club are understood to have paid 20m for the 26-year-old centre-back, who is expected to slot straight into Brighton’s defensive group ahead of the new season.

Struijk’s move follows the departure of fellow Dutch defender Jan Paul van Hecke, who joined Tottenham for 52m. Brighton appear to view Struijk as the direct replacement, with the club reshaping central defensive options after another Premier League campaign under Fabian Hurzeler.

Brighton highlighted the deal on social media, while Hurzeler outlined why the defender fits the club’s plans. “Pascal is exactly the sort of profile we wanted to add to the squad this summer, in that he’s got good Premier League experience and has his peak years ahead of him,” Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler said.

“He really showcased what he’s capable of last seasongreat defensive actions while comfortable on the ballwith his style well-suited to ours. He is also a leader, having worn the captain’s armband at times for Leeds last season. He is an excellent addition to the group, and I am looking forward to working with him.”

Struijk joined Leeds from Ajax in 2018 and went on to make 196 appearances in all competitions. The defender played 34 Premier League matches last season, as Leeds claimed 14th place in their first campaign back in the top flight since the 2022-23 season.

With Struijk entering the final year of the Leeds contract, the club chose to sell rather than risk losing the defender without a fee. The transfer provides Leeds with funds, while Brighton gain a player with proven Premier League experience and leadership responsibilities from the previous campaign.

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Brighton continue to adjust their defensive options, with reports that the club have also submitted a bid for Spurs youngster Luka Vuskovic. Leeds are working on their own squad changes, and are reportedly close to signing Harry Wilson as a free agent after the winger scored 10 goals and supplied seven assists in the Premier League for Fulham last season.

Struijk’s arrival gives Brighton another left-sided central defender with top-flight experience and leadership qualities. Leeds move forward with extra transfer income and plans to bring in Wilson, while Brighton’s interest in Luka Vuskovic underlines that further changes in central defence may still follow before the new season begins.