Leeds United have completed their second signing of the January transfer window with the addition of French forward Georginio Rutter from Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim in a five-and-a-half-year deal. Rutter joins on a deal thought to be in the region of an initial £25m, with add-ons potentially taking the cost up to £35m and that’s record transfer territory for the Whites.
A France Under-21 international, Rutter established himself as one of the brightest young talents in Germany during his time with Hoffenheim, with eight goals coming last season in what was an eye-catching breakout year. A further two goals have come this season and his performances have been enough to put him at the top of Leeds’ list of priorities.
Rutter completed a medical in West Yorkshire on Friday and he’ll be keen to step into Jesse Marsch’s side as soon as possible, with a Premier League debut against Brentford next weekend seeming likely. The 20-year-old has mainly been seen playing in the centre-forward role over the last couple of seasons, either on his own or with a strike partner.
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However, he is versatile and he can play as a secondary striker or as a wide forward, cutting in and attempting to make things happen with his pace and skill on the ball. As such, he provides competition in a number of positions across the field and it is hoped he can play a big role at Elland Road as the Whites battle against Premier League relegation.
Rutter started his career at French club Rennes, working his way through the ranks at the Ligue 1 club and making five appearances in all competitions before completing the switch to Hoffenheim in February 2021. The deal for the then 18-year-old was thought to be worth around €500,000, which perhaps shows just how much he has developed since.
He leaves the Bundesliga having made 57 league appearances for the club, bagging 11 goals. He has represented France at various age levels throughout his fledging career, too, and after making his U21s debut in March last year, he now has four caps to his name. Illan Meslier, then, will represent one familiar face in the Leeds squad as he gets to work at Thorp Arch.
Rutter follows Max Wober through the door at Elland Road, with the Austrian making the switch from Red Bull Salzburg on January 3. Rutter will wear the No 24 shirt.
He is ineligible to play in Wednesday’s Emirates FA Cup third round replay with Cardiff City, but will be introduced to the crowd ahead of kick-off at Elland Road.
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