Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk has completed a transfer to fellow Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion during the 2026 summer window. The move was highlighted in a comprehensive grading report published by Bleacher Report this week, which assessed every top-flight club's business in a window where total spending reached $4.67 billion.
Leeds, currently sitting 8th in the Premier League with four points from two games, saw one of their experienced players depart. Struijk, a central defender, was among nine new arrivals at the Amex Stadium as Brighton sought to strengthen their back line. The Seagulls' headline defensive signing was Luka Vuskovic, with Struijk's acquisition reported as part of a group of five defenders brought in.
Brighton & Hove Albion's overall activity earned them a final grade of D from Bleacher Report, despite receiving a B+ for their August business. Their notable incomings, besides Struijk and Vuskovic, included Zadok Yohanna, Costinha, and Femi Azeez. The club also oversaw a significant clear-out, with experienced players like Danny Welbeck, Solly March, and James Milner among the departures. Analyst Calum Rogers suggested a rationale for the youthful focus, stating: "It also can't be ruled out that the Seagulls are still good enough to win the competition while using it as a perfect development ground for these youngsters."
The report provided final grades for numerous clubs, with Arsenal topping the list with an A after excellent late business. Leo Collis of Bleacher Report noted, "In the end, Arsenal's business was excellent, but just an inch or two away from elite." Chelsea also scored highly with a B+, making a healthy profit despite spending over $450 million, aided by the British record sale of Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City for £125 million. At the other end of the scale, newly-promoted Coventry City and Crystal Palace received final grades of D.
The departure of Pascal Struijk comes as Leeds United build on a solid start to the 2026-27 season. Daniel Farke's side have taken four points from their opening fixtures, scoring two goals and conceding just one. They sit two points behind early leaders Manchester City. The squad does face some injury concerns, with Ilia Gruev, Joe Rodon, and Mateo Joseph currently sidelined. Fans can track the team's progress in the standings as the campaign develops.
Attention now turns to the pitch and the next challenge. Leeds United's upcoming fixture is a home match against Newcastle United on September 14th. Newcastle, currently 6th in the table, will provide a stern test at Elland Road. The full schedule for the season is available on the club's fixtures page. The team will look to maintain their positive early form, which shows a draw and a win in their first two outings.
