Beren Cross has stated that he does not believe anyone will pay Leeds United enough money to let Georginio Rutter leave Elland Road this summer.
The Frenchman, the Whites’ record acquisition, was the target of a £30 million bid from Brighton earlier in the summer transfer window, before Archie Gray’s big-money move to Tottenham [Adam Pope, 2 July].
While speculations suggest the Seagulls may return with a higher offer to entice Leeds into a sale [talkSPORT, 2 July], Leeds Live columnist Cross acknowledges he would be astonished if anyone matched the Whites’ value.
In a Q&A with Leeds Live on Friday (5 July), he said: “I can’t forecast the future, but right now, he’s not leaving. Brighton’s bid was rejected.
“Leeds would need a much bigger offer to justify a sale based on their PSR estimates. I don’t see anyone offering him enough to make it worthwhile.”
Will Georginio Rutter leave Leeds United amid Brighton’s summer transfer interest?
The sale of Gray has helped Leeds balance its books in terms of profit and sustainability, putting them in a position to keep their finest and brightest at Elland Road.
As Cross points out, selling Rutter would not significantly improve the Whites’ financial fair play situation given how much they spent to bring him to England from Hoffenheim in the first place.
Obviously, things may change rapidly during the summer transfer window, and if a Premier League club makes a significantly higher offer for the Frenchman, Leeds United may be forced to make a decision.
With the existing financial regulations in the Premier League, it would be surprising if Brighton or any other club suddenly agreed to pay a sum of up to £30 million to secure Rutter’s services.
Even yet, there is no certainty that the forward will be interested in making the transition, as he is said to be in no haste to leave Elland Road.
