Luke Ayling and Liam Cooper lead Leeds tributes as Pascal Struijk completes Brighton move | OneFootball

Pascal Struijk’s transfer to Brighton was confirmed on Tuesday evening, prompting heartfelt farewells from Leeds United figures including Luke Ayling and Liam Cooper.

yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk understands that Leeds will receive £18 million plus £2 million in potential add-ons, as well as a share of any future sale. The 26-year-old was offered a new contract but opted for a new challenge.

Struijk joined Leeds as an 18-year-old in 2018 and spent eight-and-a-half seasons at Elland Road, winning two Championship titles and establishing himself at Premier League level. He marked his exit with an Instagram video thanking supporters and describing the club as a family bound by unconditional backing.

He was one of the few players whose time at the club spanned both recent title wins, alongside free-agent departure Illan Meslier. A popular figure under Marcelo Bielsa and Daniel Farke, he drew messages from past and present team-mates.

Liam Cooper hailed him as a two-time champion and a top character, while Luke Ayling praised his development from youngster to first-team mainstay.

Junior Firpo lauded him as a Leeds legend, Illan Meslier thanked him for a shared journey and Dominic Calvert-Lewin wished him well on the next step. Jayden Bogle said he would be missed and that playing together had been a pleasure.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk