Brighton sign Leeds defender Struijk for about £20m

Brighton sign Leeds defender Struijk for about £20mImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Pascal Struijk made 196 appearances for LeedsByAlastair TelferBBC Sport journalistPublished1 minute agoCommentsBrighton have signed Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk for an undisclosed fee understood to be about £20m.The 26-year-old centre-back, whose Elland Road contract was due to expire at the end of the 2026-27 season, has signed a five-year contract with the Seagulls.Struijk joined Leeds' under-23s from Ajax in January 2018 before graduating to the first team.He made 196 appearances for the Whites, including 34 in the Premier League last season."Pascal is exactly the sort of profile we wanted to add to the squad this summer, in that he's got good Premier League experience and has his peak years ahead of him," Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler said."He really showcased what he's capable of last season - great defensive actions while comfortable on the ball - with his style well suited to ours."He is also a leader, having worn the captain's armband at times for Leeds last season. He is an excellent addition to the group and I am looking forward to working with him."Brighton sold centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke to Tottenham for £52m earlier this summer.Follow Brighton & Hove Albion on BBC SoundsPre-match, post-match and topical Albion content Listen on SoundsSubscribe and listen for everything you love about the SeagullsRelated topicsFootballPremier LeagueBrighton & Hove AlbionLeeds UnitedMore on this storyLatest Brighton news, analysis and fan viewsAsk about Brighton - what do you want to know?