Pascal Struijk says Brighton’s ambition, style and reputation for developing players convinced him to leave Leeds United, with former team-mate Georginio Rutter also helping him settle on the south coast.
Struijk ended an eight-year association with Leeds to join Albion this summer, signing a five-year contract after Brighton agreed a package understood to be worth £15million plus add-ons. (leedsunited.com)
The 26-year-old has now explained why the opportunity appealed so strongly.
Speaking to The Argus about his Brighton move, Struijk pointed towards the club’s style, player development and return to European football as major factors.
Brighton project convinced Pascal Struijk
Brighton will compete in the Conference League this season after finishing eighth in the Premier League, adding another attraction for a player entering the prime years of his career.
Struijk also joins a club with a clear role for him.
Albion have rebuilt their defence following Jan Paul van Hecke’s £52m move to Tottenham, with ReadBrighton previously examining how Struijk provides Fabian Hürzeler with Premier League experience and balance.
There was a familiar face waiting too.
Rutter spent two seasons alongside Struijk at Leeds before completing his own Brighton move in 2024 and contacted his former team-mate during the transfer process.
Struijk jokingly described that intervention as an “easy assist”, although he made clear Brighton’s footballing project ultimately drove his decision.
Now settled into pre-season, his task is turning those reasons into performances.
Brighton wanted an experienced defender ready to contribute immediately.
Struijk clearly believes he has joined a club capable of helping him improve too.
