Phil Hay claims on The Athletic that Andrea Radrizzani ‘floated’ the idea of signing Georginio Rutter on loan with an obligation to buy – but the 49ers overruled the idea, insisting he was signed permanently.
Rutter, 21, joined Leeds in January from Hoffenheim in a deal that Sky Sports claim could reach a huge £36m. He struggled in his first six months at the club, with plenty of factors going against the striker.
But he is impressing this season, arguably up there with our best players so far. Seven Championship outings, four goals and assists. Two goals scored by himself, in wins over Ipswich Town and Millwall.
Interestingly, Radrizzani – while majority owner of Leeds – suggested signing Rutter on loan, with the obligation to buy. The kind of deal often seen in Italy. But clearly, he would be leaving in the summer.
The 49ers realised Radrizzani’s plans, perhaps, to strike a deal for Rutter but get out of having to pay full whack – leaving before payment was due. Hay says The 49ers insisted a permanent deal was done.
“Radrizzani floated the idea of taking Rutter on loan with an obligation,” Hay wrote. “As it was January, any obligation would be set for the end of the season (presumably, dependent on Leeds surviving).
“But Radrizzani was in his final throes as majority shareholder and 49ers Enterprises, poised to buy him out, was not inclined to kick a long-term move – or responsibility for the fee – down the road.
“Radrizzani might be gone by then. The Americans insisted the loan option was shelved and a permanent deal be completed immediately,” Hay continued, in his latest article on The Athletic’s site.
49ers overruled Radrizzani move to sign Leeds attacker Rutter
Rutter is finally starting to show why Leeds decided to sign him – starring in our push for an instant return to the Premier League. Against Watford, he was a cheat code. Shining in our comfortable 3-0 win.
Obviously, signing “top-class” Rutter on loan with an obligation would not have made any difference to the French ace in remaining at Leeds for the considerable future. But, the 49ers are better off financially.
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