Leeds United say the the sale of Pascal Struijk to Brighton and Hove Albion has helped keep them within financial limits on the final Profitability and Sustainability Rules deadline day.

The Whites have confirmed the sale of centre-back Struijk to their Premier League rivals for an undisclosed fee, understood by the YEP to be a guaranteed £18m and add-ons that could bring in a further £2m. Struijk was offered a new contract at Elland Road but Leeds say he wanted a new challenge. The deal also includes a future sell-on clause. In a statement Leeds said that player sales were always likely this summer after the 2025 decision to keep key players for the Premier League survival bid.

"Joining the Whites as an 18-year-old in 2018, the now 26-year-old departs with the very best wishes of the club, having been an exemplary professional throughout his time at Elland Road, becoming a double champion," said the statement. "Struijk, who has been subject of transfer interest and offers from elsewhere throughout his time in West Yorkshire, including last summer, always remained committed to Leeds United despite divisional status changes, and last season helped the club secure Premier League safety and reach the semi-final of the Emirates FA Cup.

"With the Dutchman entering the final year of his contract, at the end of the season, the club offered Struijk and his representatives a significantly improved contract. However, his desire for a new challenge was respected after eight-and-a-half years of fantastic service, with all parties acting with grace and decorum throughout the process.

"As was communicated at the end of the 2025/2026 season by Chairman Paraag Marathe, it was explained how there would be both incomings and outgoings over the course of the current transfer window. Last summer, the decision was taken to keep all key players at Elland Road, to give the club the best possible chance of Premier League survival, with the expectation that player sales would be needed to remain PSR compliant over a three-year accounting window ending 30th June 2026."

Leeds say that the money earned from their 14th-place finish, combined with a run to the FA Cup semi-final and Struijk's sale mean they have stayed within PSR rules. A new financial system - Squad Cost Ratio - now comes into place for Premier League clubs.

The statement said: "The club’s higher than expected 14th place finish and run to the Emirates FA Cup semi-final vindicated this decision, with the increased income and single sale of Struijk ensuring the club remains within PSR limits."

Struijk's eight-year stint at Elland Road began after he departed Ajax and joined the Under 21s at Thorp Arch as a free signing, meaning his sale this summer is considered pure profit. He made his initial senior breakthrough during Marcelo Bielsa's promotion-winning 2019/20 season and then established himself as a first team player in the Premier League. He departs having made 196 appearances for the Whites, scoring 14 goals and winning a pair of Championship titles.

Leeds' statement went on: "Still at a young age, Pascal’s community work shone through as he engaged with the local supporters, attending a number of Leeds United Foundation programmes and events. Following the appointment of Daniel Farke, he was named as part of the leadership group which would eventually make him vice-captain of the team. Wearing the captain’s armband on a number of occasions throughout his time with the club, he led the group and showed great professionalism at all times. A double title-winner and a proud part of our recent history, everyone at Leeds United would like to thank Pascal for all his effort both on and off the pitch while with the club. We wish him and his young family good luck for the future. He will always be welcomed back at Elland Road."