Luke Ayling & Liam Cooper among emotional Leeds United messages as Pascal Struijk Brighton transfer confirmed
The defender has called time on an eight-and-a-half year spell at Leeds United.
A number of Leeds United favourites past and present have sent goodbye messages to Pascal Struijk following confirmation of his Brighton transfer.
Struijk’s move to Brighton became official on Tuesday evening, with the YEP understanding Leeds will receive £18million for the defender, plus £2m of potential add-ons and a portion of any future sale. A new contract was offered to the 26-year-old but the decision was taken to pursue a fresh challenge elsewhere.
Having joined as an 18-year-old in 2018, Struijk spent eight-and-a-half seasons at Leeds, winning two Championship titles and establishing himself as a Premier League-level player. And following confirmation of his exit, the defender said an emotional goodbye via an Instagram video.
As a video played out some of his best memories at Elland Road, Struijk said: "Dear Leeds fans, from the moment I arrived, I felt it. This is not just a football club; this is a family. You guys are mad about it around here.
“Leeds United is more than just football, it took me a while to understand that. When you're young, you think football is about goals, tackles, silverware, the next game or next season. But after all these years, I think I finally get it.
“Because family isn't just about winning every single day, it's not about going up or down. Of course, last minute winners are nice. But it's not about that either, it's not about becoming champions, it's about being there, no matter what. It's about the unconditional love you feel when you walk into Elland Road every single time.
“It's about marching on together when most people would walk away because that's what family does. After all those years, you made me feel part of yours. My time here at Leeds has come to an end but just like family, this bond will last forever. I will never forget you, until we meet again, Pascal."
Leeds United teammate messages for Pascal Struijk
Struijk was one of the only squad members whose Leeds spell spanned both recent Championship title wins - the other being free agent exit Illan Meslier. And as a much-loved part of both Marcelo Bielsa and Daniel Farke teams, he received plenty of messages from former teammates.
Struijk’s former Leeds captain Liam Cooper wrote: “2x... and a bloody good lad too! Good luck to you and the family mate.”
While another Bielsa favourite, Luke Ayling, wrote: “Came a young lad left a man!! Congratulations on a great spell at our club fella.”
Former Leeds left-back Junior Firpo, now at Real Betis, wrote: “Seriously, you are a Leeds legend and nobody can’t say something different! Go and smash it my guy.”
Fellow summer exit Meslier wrote: “Thank you for everything my brother, what a journey you had in Leeds. I just wanna to say congratulations for everything that you did for this massive club! Well done my champ champ!”
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who spent just one season alongside Struijk, wrote: “All the best on your new journey bro.”
While 2025/26 Championship title-winning teammate Jayden Bogle wrote: “Gonna miss you bro! Been a pleasure.”