Daniel Farke has told Sunday’s post-match press conference – as per Leeds Live – that “big” clubs made a move to sign Georginio Rutter in the summer, but the Leeds United attacker always wanted to stay put.
Rutter, 21, endured a dismal first six months at Leeds. Bought for a club-record fee but hardly used, he was playing with huge weight on his shoulders – for a club that of no fault of his, were in a horrific way.
But over the summer, Rutter has learned English and on Sunday he arguably produced his best display in a Leeds shirt. His goal the icing on the cake – after an assist for Joel Piroe’s first goal in the 3-0 win.
Farke was asked after the match whether he was surprised to keep Rutter in the summer – who now has three goals and assists in five league and cup outings. He said he always hoped he would keep Rutter.
“Not surprised. I hoped it would work out. Some big names tried everything to get him. Although he had a tough start, there is so much fight from him. Willing to pay something back,” Farke said after the win.
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“I am urging him to keep going. Quality is there over a long-term periods, that’s what is needed. After a really good performance with Joel and Georgi, you have to show that consistency,” he added, on Rutter.
Farke: Big clubs made move to sign Rutter from Leeds in summer
Keeping Rutter will turn out to be just as important a transfer move as keeping Willy Gnonto and Cree Summerville, or signing Joel Piroe and Ethan Ampadu. He has the quality to drive Leeds back to the top.
Can he do it? Well, he needs to find a way in which he can turn potential and glimpses of quality in to proven, consistent form. Goals and assists on a regular basis. Sunday was a great example of doing that.
A long way to go but the early signs are good. If he can manage to lay on a goal or score one in more games than not, then Rutter will be a key player for Leeds in the coming weeks, months and year.