In a recent report from Sky Sports, it was mentioned that Leeds United are close to finalising the deal for Georginio Rutter of Hoffenheim. It was also stated that his arrival would surpass the club’s current transfer record fee of £27 million paid for Rodrigo Moreno with £35.3 million being paid for the Bundesliga forward.
Rutter’s Impressive Campaign With Hoffenheim So Far This Season
The 20-year-old has managed to catch the eye with his impressive performances in German football having a brilliant start to this campaign. He has found the back of the net on two occasions and created three assists over 17 appearances for the German outfit this season across all competitions.
The former Rennes youngster has led the line well for Hoffenheim in the final third based on his average of 1.8 shots, 0.7 key passes and 2.1 dribbles per game in the Bundesliga. However, he needs to find a way to improve his ball distribution after only completing 63.9% of his attempted passes in the top tier of German football (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the Rhein-Neckar-Arena runs until the summer of 2026. However, the Whites have done well to make a lucrative offer to their German counterpart which has convinced them into selling.
What Will He Bring To Leeds United?
Rutter remains a decent finisher inside the penalty box and he can strike the ball with power and accuracy from a long range, often shooting on target. He has got the vision to set up his teammates on the attacking end of the pitch. Furthermore, the French forward can make some dangerous runs down the middle to get past his markers and create opportunities in front of the goal. However, he will have to find a way to improve his link-up play in and around the opponent’s penalty box if he wishes to keep playing at a high level.
At 20, he has enough room to improve on his game and the Plescop-born sensation has shown to have immense potential in competing at a high level. Thus, he will be a great, long-term option for Leeds United and a decent understudy for Rodrigo.
We can expect Rutter to bring more firepower to Jesse Marsch‘s attacking department at Elland Road while increasing competition for places within the frontline. Marsch’s tutelage could help Rutter in the long run and the American tactician can get the best out of him at the West Yorkshire club over the coming seasons.
Talks between both clubs are at an advanced stage for the 20-year-old with a medical expected over the coming days, so the fans can expect him to make his debut this month if they wrap up the deal in this transfer window.
