Brighton & Hove Albion have completed the £18million signing of Dutch defender Pascal Struijk from Leeds United, a timely addition as the club rebuilds after a summer of high-profile departures. The 26-year-old, who joined Leeds as a youth player from Ajax in 2018, arrives to bolster a defence that lost Adam Webster, Joel Veltman, and Jan Paul van Hecke this off-season. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 8th in Premier League, 53 pts, 14W-11D-13L from 38 games.
What does Struijk bring to Brighton & Hove Albion?
Struijk’s leadership and versatility are his standout traits. Standing at 190cm, the Dutchman captained Leeds last season, guiding them to an 8th-place finish in the Championship. Former teammate Josuha Guilavogui describes him as a “calm power” in the dressing room, a player whose presence commands respect. His left foot, aerial ability, and penalty-taking add technical depth to Fabian Hurzeler’s options.
Why is this signing important now?
With Brighton & Hove Albion finishing 8th in the Premier League last season (53 points, 52 goals scored, 46 conceded), the loss of experienced defenders like Webster and Van Hecke left a gap. Struijk’s ability to play at centre-back, left-back, or in midfield provides Hurzeler with tactical flexibility. His arrival also softens the blow of Andrew Crofts’ departure to Tottenham, as the club looks to maintain its identity.
How will he fit into the squad?
Struijk’s leadership complements that of skipper Lewis Dunk, now 34. His calm demeanour and technical skills align with Brighton’s style, while his penalty-taking adds a unique dimension. Guilavogui, who played alongside him at Leeds, highlights his captain’s soul and family values as assets off the pitch. With Zadok Yohanna currently sidelined, Struijk’s immediate impact could be significant.
