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'It was a big factor' - Pascal Struijk lifts lid on decision to leave Leeds United for Brighton & Hove Albion Pascal Struijk has discussed his decision to depart Leeds United for Brighton & Hove Albion Pascal Struijk has revealed Brighton & Hove Albion’s qualification for the UEFA Conference League was a “big factor” in his decision to leave Leeds United for the Seagulls. Leeds signed Struijk as a teenager and nurtured him into an established first-team figure over an eight-year period. A popular presence at Elland Road, the 26-year-old defender was a two-time Championship title-winner with the Whites and amassed 196 appearances. Despite Leeds’ desire to retain the Dutchman, he left in late June and penned a five-year deal at Brighton. Pascal Struijk lifts lid on Brighton move “With the club achieving Europe, this is a step I wanted to take to develop as a player and challenge myself with European experience to become a better player,” he told Brighton’s website. “It was a big factor. “As a kid, you always dream about playing in international competitions. When you join a new club there are different factors, but this was a really important one. “It's a challenge I want to take on, and hopefully, we can be successful with it. Seeing the club achieve Europe was a big reason to join.” Reunion with ex-Leeds United teammate Georginio Rutter The move has reunited Struijk with his former Leeds teammate Georginio Rutter, who made the move from Elland Road to the Amex in 2024. “Of course, I know Georgi from his time at Leeds and a few of the Dutch lads,” Struijk said. “So I think I'll be able to embed myself within the group. “I'm a nice, chilled, calm guy, so hopefully they'll welcome me with open arms. I'm sure they will because Georgi has told me a lot of stories. I'm excited to get started, get to know everyone, and have a good time together. “Georgi and I are good friends. We had some good times together over at Leeds, and it was very nice to play with him because he's a top player. It's nice to see a familiar face - he can probably show me some nice things around Brighton. He told me great things about the club, so I'm excited to get started. “I come with a lot of optimism. I just want to do the best I can and show the fans what I can do for the team. The goal is to finish as high as possible in the table and try to win the Conference League, of course.” Leeds spared no expense replacing Struijk, forking out £34m to prise Bosnia & Herzegovina international Tarik Muharemović from Sassuolo. He has joined Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw in Leeds’ pool of centre-backs. Leeds are due to visit Struijk’s new employers on September 5 before hosting them at Elland Road for the reverse fixture in March.