Leeds United have struck a deal to make Hoffenheim striker Georginio Rutter their next January transfer addition. That’s according to Fabrizio Romano and The Athletic, who report Rutter is due to land in West Yorkshire for a medical and to finalise the switch before this weekend.
The initial deal is claimed to be in the region of €28m (£24.7m), with add-ons potentially taking the deal to around €40m (£35.3m). The Whites have prioritised the addition of a striker in the January window and they look to have landed Rutter, who seems to be able to play in a number of positions across the front line.
Rutter is still only 20 years of age, but he has established himself as one of the brightest young talents in the Bundesliga and according to a statement released by Hoffenheim last weekend, the Whites weren’t the only club chasing his signature. As such, the deal represents a coup for Leeds and if all goes to plan, he could be in line to make his debut for the club next week against either Cardiff City or Brentford.
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Leeds have moved swiftly to make the necessary improvements once more this window and after bagging Max Wober from Red Bull Salzburg, they set their sights on the striker. Reports emerged last weekend of Leeds’ interest in Rutter, with Hoffenheim pulling him out of training and a friendly match, as interest in the forward gathered pace.
The France under-21 international has bagged two goals and three assists for the German outfit this year in all competitions to build on what was a remarkable breakthrough season last time around. He managed eight goals in 33 Bundesliga appearances last season, assisting four goals along the way, to finish the season as the club’s top scorer.
He has spent the season in the centre-forward role, alongside a strike partner, but he has versatility and it remains to be seen how Marsch will use him, should the deal progress without a hitch.
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How Leeds United's attacking line-up could evolve with Georginio Rutter signing
