Leeds United transfer plan already in place as Pascal Struijk fee agreed with Brighton
Leeds United will need to recruit a new left-footed centre-back after agreeing to sell Pascal Struijk to Brighton and Hove Albion.
Struijk has spent eight years at Elland Road, proving to be a key player under multiple managers across that period.
The Netherlands international has twice helped Leeds to Premier League promotion, doing so as Championship winners both times.
After impressing in the top flight last season, the defender earned links with other clubs.
And with just 12 months remaining on his contract, Leeds always knew there was a chance they would have to sell this summer.
So that has proved, with Struijk now heading to the South Coast with Brighton.
Leeds had no choice as Brighton fee for Struijk revealed
News of a deal being in place for Struijk to leave has still come as a surprise, given there were no strong links of an exit being close.
The Athletic reported late on Saturday that Brighton have agreed to pay £20million for the Dutchman.
Struijk was pitched a new contract by Leeds but pushed for an exit as he wants a new challenge elsewhere.
Leeds' hand was therefore forced, knowing he would be free to leave for nothing in less than a year's time.
It means Leeds will now have to move for a replacement before the new season begins.
What player are Leeds pushing for as Struijk replacement?
Unsurprisingly, Leeds are now seeking a like-for-like replacement with Struijk's exit effectively locked in.
Struijk was Daniel Farke's only left-footed centre-back, with someone in that mould being looked for by the Whites.
He has previously been hailed a "leader" by Farke at the back, and rightly so.
Finding a Premier League-ready player for that position will not be easy, but the incoming £20m payment will at least help fund a move.
Ousmane Dembele has been linked with a record move to Leeds, but he is predominantly right footed - albeit he can use both.
Exactly how this now alters United's previous transfer plans remains to be seen.