Georginio Rutter completed his move to Brighton from Leeds United on Monday night and the French ace has now explained his decision to move to the Seagulls in his first interview since joining.
Having lost Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville to Premier League clubs, Leeds had been hopeful of keeping the likes of Rutter but it has not materialised with Brighton activating a £40m release clause.
Beren Cross says that there are no release clauses left in the Leeds squad following the sale of Rutter. But it is something that has seen three key players leave, albeit to the tune of a massive £105m up front.
Rutter joins Brighton after having a hand in 24 goals in 51 games for Leeds last season as The Whites reached the play-off final, but lost to Southampton. The attacker has signed a deal at Brighton until 2029.
Rutter explains why he decided to leave Leeds for Brighton
Leeds fans are perhaps frustrated mostly because the club are yet to spend big and bring in some new signings to replace the likes of Rutter, Gray and Summerville. Daniel Farke wants four new signings.
But with 10 days to go, nothing has been by the Elland Road club. Jack Clarke, Jonathan Rowe and even Burnley’s Belgian winger Manuel Benson are being linked with Leeds but nothing has yet come to fruition.
Rutter meanwhile, has given his first interview to Brighton’s website and explained why he decided to join Brighton and leave for the south coast. He believes Brighton have “great potential” to go far this season.
“I’m very happy, happy to be here. I think it is a good opportunity for me, a big club with great potential to reach the top of the table. He [Hurzeler] knows me from Germany, he told me how he wants to play.
“We spoke for a long time and he was happy, and I was too. Last season was good for me, but I think I can do better. It’s football you know, we choose this sport. It’s football,” Rutter continued on the website.
Leeds cannot compete for top six with Joel Piroe as a no.10
If it was not obvious before Saturday’s 0-0 draw with West Brom, then it is now. The Dutch star is a top player, excellent in front of goal but is limited to that and should only be required to score goals as a 9.
Not a 10, and asking him to fill the void left by Rutter is an impossible task for a player who is naturally a striker. Brenden Aaronson is a better fit but even better would be signing a player to replace Rutter.
Whether Leeds can get a body through the door before the deadline on August 30 remains to be seen but if Leeds have any ambition to go one better this season and get promoted, then they have to move.
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