Leeds considered recruiting one of Europe’s greatest strikers before bringing Georginio Rutter to Elland Road in January 2023.
This is according to The Athletic.
So, who did Leeds consider before signing Georginio Rutter? Let us have a look.
Leeds considered Viktor Gyokeres before signing Georginio Rutter.
According to The Athletic, Leeds considered buying Viktor Gyokeres from Coventry before agreeing on a £35.5 million deal to recruit Rutter from TSG Hoffenheim.
Despite the money spent to sign him, Jesse Marsch, Javi Gracia, and Sam Allardyce curiously overlooked the France U21 international, who made only one Premier League start as Leeds were relegated.
Rutter has now evolved into a star this season, with seven goals and 18 assists in 40 games across all competitions, but his achievements are just incomparable to Gyokeres’.
The Swedish international was eventually signed by Portuguese giants Sporting CP for just £20 million in July, and he has since become one of Europe’s greatest players.
Leeds almost signed a very outstanding striker.
Gyokeres may have been considered a Championship striker last season, but he is now regarded as one of Europe’s best centre-forwards.
The Swede has 36 goals and 14 helpers in 39 games this season.
50 goal involvements in only 39 appearances is absolutely crazy; it’s little surprise Arsenal has reportedly made Gyokeres their top target ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Gunners are reportedly set to activate the 25-year-old’s €100 million (£85 million) release clause.
Of course, no one at Elland Road is sad to have Rutter in Yorkshire instead of the Sporting CP talisman, but it is difficult to overlook how close Leeds were to acquiring someone with more goals than Erling Haaland this season.
