Pascal Struijk Joins Brighton as a Modern Defender

Brighton & Hove Albion signed Dutch central defender Pascal Struijk from Leeds United for around £18 million at the end of June 2026. Struijk, who is characterized by “the calm power” he brings to the team, is expected to help alleviate the challenges posed by the departures of several vital players this summer.

Brighton experienced significant losses with the release of long-serving duo Solly March and Adam Webster after the last season. Premier League record appearance maker James Milner has retired, and Joel Veltman’s contract expired, following unsuccessful negotiations for renewal. In a further blow, club stalwart Andrew Crofts left his role as joint assistant manager under Fabian Hurzeler to rejoin former Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham Hotspur.

Amid these changes, Struijk stands out as an addition, bringing valuable characteristics that resonate with the ethos of consistency and professionalism that Brighton fosters. He spent eight seasons at Leeds after joining the youth setup from Ajax in 2018. Former teammate Josuha Guilavogui emphasized Struijk's leadership qualities, noting that his calm demeanor earns him respect and attention from others in the dressing room.

“Pascal was the vice-captain to Ethan Ampadu when I came to Leeds in 2024,” Guilavogui shared. “He is someone that everyone loves in the dressing room because he’s very calm. He is never going to yell at someone, but when he is speaking, everyone listens.” Struijk's robust physical presence at 190 cm (just shy of 6ft 3in) adds to his command in defensive situations, both on and off the pitch.

Last season, Struijk’s skills in leadership became apparent as he captained Leeds during their recovery from a challenging start under manager Daniel Farke. The team finished eight points clear of relegation in the Premier League. Brighton's Lewis Dunk, 34, remains influential in his role; however, Struijk’s experience will be crucial following Jan Paul van Hecke’s transfer to Tottenham for £52 million.

Guilavogui stated, “As a player, he has everything that a modern defender needs. He has an amazing left foot and is strong in the air. He is also very good technically, capable of playing precise passes in tight spaces. Unusually for a central defender, he was also our penalty taker.”

Struijk’s versatility could provide Brighton with additional options, having played in various positions during his tenure at Leeds, including left-back and midfield. His transition into midfield during his time under Marcelo Bielsa showcased his mobility and adaptability.

Guilavogui recounted, “Bielsa was quite harsh on him at first, but it was always to develop his immense potential.” Former Leeds winger Stuart McKinstry remarked on Struijk's humility and strong work ethic, stating that he is an impactful presence during training and competitions. Although calm by nature, Struijk possesses a competitive edge that emerges during friendly rivalries, thanks to his passion for gaming—much to the amusement of his peers.