Leeds sell Struijk to Brighton as Seagulls continue busy summer
Brighton beat competition from Newcastle to land the Dutch defender, one of several signings in a rebuilding summer on the south coast.
Brighton have completed the signing of Pascal Struijk from Leeds United, fending off interest from Newcastle to land the Dutch centre-back. Struijk had been a fixture in Leeds’ side following their return to the Premier League, and his departure represents a meaningful loss for a club now needing to reinforce its own backline.
The move continues what has been an unusually busy transfer window for Brighton, who have also brought in Costinha from Olympiacos, Michael Svoboda from Venezia and Rodrigo Rega from Benfica. Together the signings point to a squad being rebuilt with a distinct focus on athletic, adaptable defenders — a hallmark of Brighton’s recruitment approach in recent years.
For Leeds, losing a player of Struijk’s experience so soon after securing survival in the top flight is a reminder of the financial gap that still separates the traditional mid-table Premier League clubs from those further up the ladder. Replacing his composure and aerial presence will be one of the more pressing tasks facing the club’s recruitment team before the window closes.
Brighton’s business suggests a squad being built with knowledge of what a long European campaign demands, should their form from previous seasons continue into 2026/27.