Brighton Secures Struijk for £20m, Gruda Departs for Leipzig

Brighton & Hove AlbionTeam·Brighton & Hove Albion have confirmed a significant double movement in the transfer market, securing the services of Dutch centre-back Pascal StruijkPlayer·Pascal Struijk from Leeds UnitedTeam·Leeds United and agreeing to the departure of attacking midfielder Brajan GrudaPlayer·Brajan Gruda to RB LeipzigTeam·RB Leipzig.

Struijk, a 26-year-old defender, joins the Seagulls on a five-year deal, with the transfer fee reported to be in the region of £18 million to £20 million (approximately €23.2 million). This acquisition addresses a key defensive requirement for Brighton, particularly following the recent transfer of Jan Paul van HeckePlayer·Jan Paul van Hecke to Tottenham for £52 million. Struijk brings valuable Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League experience, having been a consistent performer for Leeds UnitedTeam·Leeds United.

Brighton head coach Fabian HürzelerCoach·Fabian Hürzeler expressed his satisfaction with the new signing. "Pascal is exactly the sort of profile we wanted to add to the squad this summer, in that he's got good Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League experience and has his peak years ahead of him," Hürzeler stated. "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."

On the outgoing front, Brighton has reached a verbal agreement with Bundesliga club RB LeipzigTeam·RB Leipzig for the transfer of Brajan GrudaPlayer·Brajan Gruda. The 22-year-old German is set to return to Leipzig on an initial loan deal, which includes an obligation to buy if specific conditions, likely related to playing time, are met. The permanent transfer fee is anticipated to be between €25 million and €30 million (approximately £21 million to £25 million). Gruda spent the latter half of the 2025/26 season on loan at Leipzig, where he made a notable impact, contributing three goals and three assists in 14 appearances.

These strategic moves come as Brighton prepares for the upcoming 2026/27 season, having concluded the 2025/26 Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League campaign in 8th place. This league position secured them qualification for the UEFA Conference LeagueCompetition·Conference League play-off stage, marking their second foray into European football and their debut in this particular competition. Despite a 0-3 home defeat against Manchester UnitedTeam·Manchester United on the final day of the season, other results ensured their European aspirations were met. Their recent form saw them accumulate seven points from their last five Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League matches, with a record of two wins, one draw, and two losses.