Pascal Struijk joins Brighton as Fabian Hurzeler hails a leader Leeds will miss | OneFootball

Brighton have signed Pascal Struijk on a five-year deal, with Fabian Hurzeler insisting Leeds United have lost a leader who excels defensively and in possession.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, the deal is worth an initial £18 million plus £2 million in add-ons with a sell-on, and its 30 June completion aided Profitability and Sustainability Rules compliance.

Struijk was into the final year of his Elland Road contract and, despite a new offer and pay rise, sought a new challenge. He spent eight-and-a-half years in West Yorkshire.

Over the past year he impressed on the left of a back three, using his passing while covering any lack of recovery pace. Brighton’s possession style could offer a similar platform and Conference League football.

Hurzeler said Struijk fits the summer profile, brings Premier League experience and is entering his peak years. He praised the defender’s composure, defensive work and leadership, and said he was an excellent addition.

Leeds had little choice but to sell given his stance and contract. Replacing a left-footed, ball-playing centre-back will be costly. Daniel Farke lacks a natural left-sider, with Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw preferring the right, and Gabriel Gudmundsson better as a wing-back.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk