Jermaine Jenas has advice for what Leeds should do with Georginio Rutter in summer

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Jermaine Jenas has told BT Sport during commentary of Leeds United’s 4-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur that the Whites should look to keep Georginio Rutter this summer – claiming one goal can change everything for a striker.

Rutter, 21, ended the season without scoring a single goal since his club-record move from Hoffenheim in January. He finished on 13 appearances, only three of which were starts – two in the Cup – and managed just one assist.

That assist came on Sunday, coming off the bench for the first time under Sam Allardyce. He held the ball up and laid it off to Jack Harrison, who lashed in an effort to make it 2-1 to Spurs. But Harry Kane quickly made it three.

It came after Kane had opened the scoring after 93 seconds, before Pedro Porro netted just after the half-time whistle. A fourth came from Lucas Moura. Rutter has been linked with a potential exit, perhaps on loan to France.

But Jenas, speaking towards the end of the match as a commentator on BT Sport, said that Leeds should look to keep Rutter – but give him a chance. He says Rutter’s confidence could quickly return as soon as he scores a goal.

“With those players, especially with Leeds as well – he might have come on here and there, but you’ve got to keep him in there. One goal can change everything for strikers. He’s not done that, he’s not had a chance,” Jenas said.

Jermaine Jenas says Leeds should keep Georginio Rutter this summer

Leeds should look to keep Rutter, and hand him the reigns as the club’s first-choice striker next season. Rodrigo is more than likely to leave the club after three years at Elland Road – with his contract due to expire in June 2024.

Patrick Bamford is a solid option but his form this season is a sign that he should only be a back-up option. Having been the target of death threats from Leeds fans, he may decide that his future is away from Leeds this summer.

Leeds have Joe Gelhardt too, and he could become an option in the Championship. A lot, in regards to Rutter, will depend on what he wants to do. But if he has the hunger to make his Leeds move work, then he should stay put.