Why Brighton sanctioned £20m Pascal Struijk deal as Leeds learn what they will miss | OneFootball

Pascal Struijk joined Brighton on Tuesday evening on a five-year deal, and Fabian Hurzeler has highlighted the leadership and on-ball quality Leeds United are losing.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Leeds will receive an initial £18 million plus £2 million in add-ons and a sell-on, and the deal's timing helped them satisfy Profitability and Sustainability Rules before the 30 June accounting cut-off.

The 26-year-old was into the final 12 months of his Elland Road contract despite a new deal and pay rise being offered, and he wanted a new challenge. He spent eight and a half years at Leeds, winning two Championship titles and playing all his senior football.

Over the past year he established himself at Premier League level, excelling on the left of a back three that showcased his passing and protected against a lack of pace.

Possession-based Brighton will hope to give him another platform, and Conference League football, to maximise those strengths. Hurzeler said Struijk fits their profile, citing top-flight experience, peak years ahead, strong defending, composure in possession and leadership, calling him an excellent addition he looks forward to working with.

Given his contract position and desire to move, cashing in was logical, but replacing a left-footed, ball-playing centre-back will be costly. Daniel Farke is now without a left-sided specialist, with Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw happier on the right. Gabriel Gudmundsson is the only left-footer and, though relatively comfortable in a back three for Sweden against France overnight, wing-back remains his most natural role.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk