Pascal Struijk’s time at Leeds United has come to an end after the defender’s move to Brighton was confirmed on Tuesday evening – and there has been plenty of reaction.
After eight and a half years at Elland Road, Struijk has decided to try a new challenge, and Brighton have paid a £20m fee to secure his services. It ends a stint that includes two promotions and 196 appearances.
£20m for Struijk: The best of a bad situation?
After eight years, Struijk is leaving Leeds.
Struijk was one of Victor Orta’s many young, unknown signings during the Spaniard’s tenure as sporting director at Leeds, alongside the likes of Crysencio Summerville, Mateo Joseph and plenty of other gems.
Joining from Ajax at the beginning of 2018, he would make his debut under Marcelo Bielsa in 2019 and go on to play a huge role in promotions under the Argentine and then Daniel Farke. Now, he departs.
Pascal Struijk sends emotional video to Leeds United fans
As is often the way when a long-serving member of the Leeds squad departs, the reaction among Leeds fans has been enormous. The majority understand the decision, even if they are sad to see Struijk depart.
He joins a Brighton side that will be in Europe next season, alongside Georginio Rutter. Struijk replaces the loss of Jan Paul van Hecke, the man who underhit a backpass that saw Dominic Calvert-Lewin score.
Following his Leeds exit, Struijk posted a touching video on Instagram to Leeds fans in which he says he will miss the family environment at Leeds. He expresses how Leeds is much more than just football.
FAREWELL PASC: I’m not crying, you are 🥲
Pascal Struijk's emotional message to Leeds fans after completing a move to Brighton.
Junior Firpo confirms Pascal Struijk’s legendary Leeds status
Struijk was a well-liked member at Leeds, whether it be his quiet leadership, his photography, starting a young family in Yorkshire or even wearing a Radebe shirt during the promotion celebrations last season.
Little surprise then, that the reaction from current and former teammates has been massive. The most intriguing comment is from Junior Firpo, who believes Struijk has earned his stripes as a Leeds legend.
The Betis left-back said: “Seriously, you are a Leeds legend and nobody can say anything different! Go smash it my guy.” Anton Stach, typically, joked: “Bro, can you please become a voice actor?”.
Leeds’ Bielsa heroes were also among the replies. Liam Cooper posted: “2x… and a good lad too! Good luck to you and the family mate”, while Luke Ayling said: “Came a young man and left a lad”.
Joe Gelhardt, Seb Bornauw, Illan Mesler, Jayden Bogle, Largie Ramazani, Willy Gnonto, Alfie McCalmont, Joel Piroe, Barry Douglas, Sam Greenwood, Larry Nance Jr, and Darko Gyabi also responded to his post.
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