Georginio Rutter plays 'important role' in Brighton agreeing to sign another Leeds player

Pascal Struijk is closing in on completing a move to Brighton after a a £20million deal was agreed with Leeds United last week.

The 26-year-old's contract at Elland Road was set to expire next summer, and they have now opted to cash in rather than letting him leave for free in the near future.

Brighton have moved quickly to get ahead of rivals in their pursuit, while they enjoy a strong relationship with Leeds, with previous deals between the clubs paving the way.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Georginio Rutter is likely playing a key role in the deal on both the clubs' and player's side.

Brighton signed Rutter from Leeds, where he played alongside Struijk, in 2024, while the clubs have also previously agreed deals for the likes of Ben White.

That pre-existing relationship between the two clubs is believed to have been key, while Rutter has played an important role in convincing his former teammate to join.

When will Pascal Struijk complete a move to Brighton?

Football Insider revealed on 22 June that Leeds have been open to selling Struijk this summer as they aim to refresh their defensive options under Daniel Farke.

While they would have been open to keeping the left-footed centre-back, his contract situation would have made it complicated, with no new deal on the horizon.

As a result, he is expected to complete formalities before his move to Brighton is agreed in the coming days, with Rutter's influence believed to have played a part.

"Brighton have just sold Van Hecke to Spurs, so they wanted a replacement quickly," Brown told Football Insider.

"It looks like Struijk is going to be that player, and I think he would be a good signing for them, he's proven his worth in the Premier League and Brighton know all about him.

"One thing that will have helped is the relationship between the two clubs, they've done deals previously for players like Ben White and Georginio Rutter, so there's a good understanding there.

"That deal for Rutter might be important as well, he could play an important role in convincing his former teammate to make the move.

"It happens all the time, if a club is interested, the players are in contact so he might tell him what it's like working under the manager, what the training is like, that sort of thing.

"So that can have a big part to play in the deal, and it looks like something that is going to happen sooner rather than later."

How do Leeds feel about losing Struijk?

Leeds have been extremely reluctant to lose players since their promotion back into the Premir League last summer as they eye more stability at Elland Road.

That stance has remained the same this summer, and any departing players, including Struijk, are likely to be directly replaced.

However, Football Insider revealed that Leeds had not ruled out selling Sruijk as a result of his contract situation as they struggled to reach a breakthrough in talks.

Leeds had explored the possibility of extending the 26-year-old's contract beyond its 2027 expiry date, but when it became clear that would not happen, they opted to let him leave.

A £20m fee is seen as a fair price given the circumstances, and despite Leeds' initial reluctance to sell, that money is expected to be invested in landing his replacement.