Leeds United have agreed a £20million deal to sell defender Pascal Struijk to Brighton, paving the way for Harry Wilson to become the club's first summer signing. The Wales international is expected to join the Premier League side on a free transfer after his contract at Fulham expired.
Wilson's Move Nears Completion
According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, everything remains on course for Wilson's move to Elland Road. The 29-year-old winger only needs to complete his medical and the remaining paperwork before the transfer is officially confirmed. Wilson is expected to return to Yorkshire, having previously played for Leeds' local rivals Huddersfield Town on loan.
Struijk's Departure Facilitates Signing
Leeds have taken a significant step in reshaping their squad by verbally agreeing a deal in principle with Brighton for centre-back Pascal Struijk. The 26-year-old defender is entering the final year of his contract at Elland Road. While Leeds offered him a new deal, Struijk is believed to have decided he wanted a fresh challenge. Rather than risk losing him for nothing next summer, Leeds agreed to sell the Dutch defender for a fee understood to be in the region of £20million.
Struijk has made 196 appearances for Leeds since joining from Ajax in January 2018, initially linking up with the club's under-21 side before becoming a key figure in the first team. Brighton have been in the market for a central defender after selling Jan Paul van Hecke to Tottenham earlier this month, while experienced defender Adam Webster is also leaving the club following the expiry of his contract. The Seagulls will compete in the Europa Conference League next season after securing an eighth-place Premier League finish.
Wilson's Fresh Opportunity
For Wilson, the move represents a fresh opportunity after four seasons at Fulham. The winger made 133 appearances for the west London club, helping them establish themselves as a Premier League side following promotion from the Championship. Leeds are preparing for their second successive season back in the top flight and are continuing to strengthen Daniel Farke's squad.
As well as Wilson, the Whites are said to be pursuing Germany international Julian Brandt, who is available as a free agent following the expiry of his Borussia Dortmund contract. Talks also continue over a move for Southampton midfielder Shea Charles. Wilson will hope regular Premier League football at Elland Road can boost his chances of remaining a key part of Craig Bellamy's Wales squad as preparations begin for a home Euros in two years' time, following the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup.
