Leeds United have rejected a £30 million deal from Brighton for Georginio Rutter.
After saying goodbye to Archie Gray earlier this week, it’s fair to say that losing Georginio Rutter so soon after the beloved indigenous hero would have been a difficult pill for supporters to swallow. The message would have been negative, putting the owners under even more pressure.
Rejecting Brighton and Hove Albion’s £30 million offer for Rutter restored some calm after the concern over Gray’s move to Tottenham, owing to the message it sent regarding Leeds, who, having settled their books, are now attempting to keep the squad together and make some shrewd additions to boost their chances of returning to the Premier League.
Perhaps not everyone agrees, though. A £30 million transfer fee is difficult to turn down, and it would provide manager Daniel Farke with a transfer war chest to make substantial additions in his squad, while also saying goodbye to a player who has yet to reach the level of consistency he is capable of.
Should Leeds do everything they can to keep Rutter, or would an improved offer be enough to get them to let him go? We asked our writers for their thoughts.
Dom Howson
Georginio Rutter was entertaining to watch last season. He was an integral part of Leeds’ promotion push, starting all but two Championship games as Daniel Farke’s side failed at the final hurdle.
Rutter was frequently the one who provided a spark of imagination to get United out of a jam. Despite a rocky start at Elland Road, he demonstrated his full potential. He made things happen in the final third, wow spectators with his flare and ability.
If Leeds is serious about pursuing another promotion, letting Rutter go would send a completely wrong message. His greatest years are ahead of him, and the fans would be disappointed if Archie Gray left. Rutter is a fan favourite, and United should seek to create a team around him next season.
Ciaran Kelly
Leeds United appear to have sent a message by rejecting this bid following Archie Gray’s departure. Clearly, there will be no firesale, and if any players go in the next weeks, it will be on Leeds’ terms. Leeds had little chance of selling Rutter for less than the club record amount they paid for the Frenchman in the first place.
That feels significant considering the questions surrounding Crysencio Summervile and Wilfried Gnonto. Leeds cannot afford to lose all of their greatest young prospects, especially if the deals are not right.
Yes, Rutter can be frustrating, but the fact is that he was directly involved in 25 goals last season, and it would be surprising if the Frenchman did not increase on that statistic if he stayed. After all, it’s easy to forget that this will be Rutter’s second full season in English football, and he’s only 22. Given Brighton’s recruitment prowess, their desire speaks for itself.
Much depends on whether Summerville leaves later in the summer – it would be difficult to replace both the Dutchman and Rutter for me – but I would keep Rutter unless an unbelievable offer came along.
James Smailes
There was a concern, perhaps even an expectation, that Crysencio Summerville would be joined out the exit door by Georginio Rutter this summer. Archie Gray’s departure for Tottenham Hotspur aroused concerns about what would happen if all three players went, but Leeds United have proved there will be no firesale at Elland Road in the coming weeks.
The £30 million off for Rutter may be less than Leeds spent for him, but it would have resulted in a profit on the books due to the amortization mechanism used to calculate profit and loss. Leeds could have used that boost for profit and sustainability, but by declining the offer, they have informed us two things.
First and foremost, the club is not in the dire financial situation that some may imagine, and secondly, manager Daniel Farke will be given every opportunity to return the team to the Premier League, even if Gray is forced to go.
Summerville is still anticipated to go, making it even more vital for the Whites to keep Rutter. If he moved to the left in place of Summerville, with Dan James on the right wing, Leeds would have an appealing attacking line without spending a dime. Yes, reinforcements are required, but the broad pairing is already of high grade.
