Leeds United can confirm Pascal Struijk has completed a permanent transfer to fellow Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion for an undisclosed fee, with a future sell-on clause included.
Joining the Whites as an 18-year-old in 2018, the now 26-year-old departs with the very best wishes of the club, having been an exemplary professional throughout his time at Elland Road, becoming a double champion.
Struijk, who has been subject of transfer interest and offers from elsewhere throughout his time in West Yorkshire, including last summer, always remained committed to Leeds United despite divisional status changes, and last season helped the club secure Premier League safety and reach the semi-final of the Emirates FA Cup.
With the Dutchman entering the final year of his contract, at the end of the season, the club offered Struijk and his representatives a significantly improved contract. However, his desire for a new challenge was respected after eight-and-a-half years of fantastic service, with all parties acting with grace and decorum throughout the process.
As was communicated at the end of the 2025/2026 season by Chairman Paraag Marathe, it was explained how there would be both incomings and outgoings over the course of the current transfer window.
Last summer, the decision was taken to keep all key players at Elland Road, to give the club the best possible chance of Premier League survival, with the expectation that player sales would be needed to remain PSR (Profit & Sustainability Rules) compliant over a three-year accounting window ending 30th June 2026.
The club’s higher than expected 14th place finish and run to the Emirates FA Cup semi-final vindicated this decision, with the increased income and single sale of Struijk ensuring the club remains within PSR limits.
Pascal joined the Whites in January 2018 leaving Dutch side Ajax to initially continue his development in our Academy, and in his first full season at the club helped the Under-23s win the Professional Development League, beating Birmingham City on penalties in the final.
Struijk made his debut under Marcelo Bielsa in December 2019 in what would be a memorable season for the club. A title-winning campaign saw the defender involved five times, including playing in the final two games in which the trophy was ultimately lifted at Elland Road.
Then came the challenge of the Premier League and having shown his strong development, Pascal was rewarded with a start in the opening game in the top-flight away at reigning champions, Liverpool.
He would go on to play 30 times across all competitions that season, scoring one goal away at Arsenal, in a year that saw Leeds’ return to the top-flight end with a ninth-place finish, following a 16-year absence.
Pascal’s position as an established first-team player was secure and he added 31 appearances the following campaign. The most memorable moment that year was his last-gasp goal against Brighton at Elland Road in our final home game of the season, securing a huge point in our battle for safety.
It wasn’t just on the pitch that he was impressing. Still at a young age, Pascal’s community work shone through as he engaged with the local supporters, attending a number of Leeds United Foundation programmes and events.
Following the appointment of Daniel Farke, he was named as part of the leadership group which would eventually make him vice-captain of the team. A frustrating year in the second-tier saw him injured in December, having played 25 times with five goals scored, as the team missed out on promotion at Wembley.
Back to fitness, the defender scored on the opening day of the 2024/25 season, which would see him play a pivotal role throughout. His 38 appearances and five goals would help the team go on to lift the Sky Bet Championship trophy, a second time for Pascal, making him a double champion.
His ninth and final season with the club was last year’s Premier League return. Struijk played 37 times, which saw the side comfortably avoid relegation, while he memorably scored the winning penalty away at West Ham United to send us to Wembley in the FA Cup.
Wearing the captain’s armband on a number of occasions throughout his time with the club, he led the group and showed great professionalism at all times.
A double title-winner and a proud part of our recent history, everyone at Leeds United would like to thank Pascal for all his effort both on and off the pitch while with the club. We wish him and his young family good luck for the future. He will always be welcomed back at Elland Road.
