---
title: "‘Easy assist’ – Struijk reveals why he chose Brighton move"
canonical: "https://readbrighton.com/2026/08/05/pascal-struijk-brighton-move-rutter/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Sophie Zamora"
section: "Brighton News"
published: "2026-08-05T13:53:43Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T12:04:10Z"
---

# ‘Easy assist’ – Struijk reveals why he chose Brighton move

**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](https://www.leedsunited.com/en/news/pascal-struijk-joins-brighton-and-hove-albion))

The 26-year-old has now explained why the opportunity appealed so strongly.

Speaking to [The Argus about his Brighton move](https://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/26437063.fabian-hurzeler-revealed-leeds-man-fit/), Struijk pointed towards the club’s style, player development and return to European football as major factors.

> Pascal Struijk said he was impressed by his conversations with Fabian Hurzeler. So I asked him why.\
> What was so good about them.\
> One of two pieces with Struijk I have published today. This one is for subscribers. [#bhafc](https://x.com/hashtag/bhafc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#lufc](https://x.com/hashtag/lufc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)[https://t.co/UVj38NsNxZ](https://t.co/UVj38NsNxZ)
>
> — Brian Owen (@Brian\_\_Owen) [August 5, 2026](https://x.com/Brian__Owen/status/2085060112377356705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## 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](https://readbrighton.com/2026/07/14/how-brighton-plan-to-rebuild-their-defence-without-van-hecke/).

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.