On Thursday morning, Leeds United fans received disappointing news that Georginio Rutter would be leaving Elland Road to join Premier League club Brighton.
Club record signing Rutter is a fan favourite at Elland Road, having scored 24 goals for the club. Rutter is popular among Leeds fans for his infectious nature and off-field activities.
But barely a few hours after Wednesday night’s humiliating Carabao Cup defeat to Middlesbrough, news surfaced that Brighton had activated a £40 million clause in Rutter’s deal, following earlier bids of £29 million and £35 million.
Then, on Thursday morning, it was announced that Rutter had made a choice regarding his future, and that he would depart the club. Despite this, Leeds are asking the attacker to stay in Yorkshire and reject Brighton.
Leeds have thrown out all the stops to preserve fan favorite Rutter.
After losing Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville, losing another beloved athlete will be difficult. Especially because the team has yet to replace the aforementioned duo.
So it’s no surprise that, despite having to accept Brighton’s £40 million offer, Leeds are doing everything they can to keep Rutter at Elland Road. Alex Crook of TalkSPORT reports that Leeds have even offered him a new deal.
Crook claims Rutter will reject the deal: “Georginio Rutter expected to snub the offer of an improved contract at #LUFC to join #BHAFC after they triggered his £40m release clause just before it expired.”
When Rutter spoke earlier this month, he made no mention of Leeds’ exit.
Another of Rutter’s off-field efforts has seen the France U21 striker launch a YouTube channel, where he stated earlier this month that he was only focused on obtaining a Premier League position with Leeds.
“Unfortunately, that isn’t what we wanted, but it’s not the end. After a rest, it’s time to get back to work, resolute as ever to make next year a great season for me. I’ll be ready to give it my all.”
However, it appears that Rutter will be at Brighton by the time Leeds face West Brom on Saturday, forcing the Whites to find a replacement for the French ace with only a week left in the transfer window.
