Brighton have secured Leeds United centre-back Pascal Struijk for approximately £20m, with the 26-year-old signing a five-year contract at the Amex Stadium. The defender was entering the final year of his Elland Road deal, having progressed through Leeds' youth system after joining from Ajax in January 2018.

Struijk made 196 appearances for Leeds, featuring prominently in their recent Premier League campaigns with 34 starts last season. Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler praised the signing, highlighting Struijk's Premier League experience and leadership qualities after captaining the Yorkshire side on occasions.

The transfer follows Brighton's lucrative sale of Jan Paul van Hecke to Tottenham for £52m earlier this summer, representing a significant reshuffle of their defensive options. Hurzeler believes Struijk's playing style perfectly matches Brighton's requirements, noting his strong defensive actions and comfort in possession.

This signing addresses Brighton's need for defensive reinforcement while reinvesting funds from their record-breaking sale, potentially strengthening their squad depth ahead of European competition commitments.