Pascal Struijk makes Georginio Rutter and Leeds United claim after Brighton sale

Pascal Struijk said former Leeds United man Georginio Rutter was one of the key factors in his move to Brighton.

Struijk - who joined Brighton yesterday for around £18m - was teammates with Georginio during their time together at Elland Road.

Georginio moved to Brighton for a club record £40m in 2024 and has been with the Seagulls for two seasons.

Struijk revealed that Georginio told him positive things about the club before making the move south.

"Of course, I know Georgie," said the 26-year to the Brighton website after agreeing a five-year contract at the Amex Stadium.

"And there's a few of the Dutch lads [Bart Verbruggen and Mats Wieffer], so I think I'll be able to embed myself within the group.

"I'm a nice, chill, calm guy, so hopefully they will welcome me with open arms.

"I've seen some stuff about the group and Georgie has told me a lot of stories, which I'm excited to get started and get to know everyone and we'll have a good time together.

Georginio is a top player

Struijk added: "Me and Georgie were good friends and we had some good times together and it was very nice to play with him because he's a top player.

So for me, it's nice to see a familiar face, probably can show me around the city a little bit.

"He told me great things about the club, so I'm excited to get started."

The former Leeds United defender also likes Brighton's style of play and was impressed after a conversation with Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler.

"We had good conversations," Struijk said. "[Hurzeler] showed me what I would be able to bring to the team and also what he would be able to improve me in.

"So I think we had a good conversation about all these steps that we can make as a team, as a club, for me as a player myself.

Hurzeler had good conversations

"So the conversations we had, they were really good and also a big part of the reason why I want to come.

"For me this is very important because over the years I've been in changing rooms where it has been maybe a little bit more separated than in last year.

"We had a really good team bond, which I feel like this is what brings the success to the clubs, to the teams, to the players where you have such a tight squad and I want to say almost friends within the team.

"It helps you perform much better."

Struijk eyes Conference League

Struijk's Premier League experience will be key for Brighton as they replace defender Jan Paul van Hecke, who moved to Tottenham for £52m earlier this window.

Albion will also compete in the Uefa conference League next term, a prospect that excites Brighton's new arrival.

"Big, of course," added Struijk. "I think when you dream as a kid, you always dream about playing in international competitions.

"So seeing you achieve that is, of course, a big decision for me to join the club, but there are different factors.

"But this is, of course, one really important one that I would like to put myself a challenge to, which hopefully we can be successful with.

"I would love to show my qualities and what I can bring to the team on Premier League level and on international level.

"Hopefully we can be successful with me bringing in the qualities that I have and, of course, the qualities that are already in the team. Then hopefully we can combine and become successful."