Phil Hay has told The Square Ball that he was told that Georginio Rutter is more than likely to stick around at Leeds United this summer despite the club suffering relegation – and, despite reports that Hoffenheim could re-sign him.
Rutter, 21, joined Leeds for a club-record fee that might reach a huge £35m with add-ons in January. But he failed to prove his transfer fee, at least in the first six months since his move from Hoffenheim. He played just 13 times.
Indeed, the France U21 man started just once in the Premier League – the 1-0 loss at Chelsea. Twice in the FA Cup, at Accrington Stanley and Fulham, the latter in which he scored – but his close-range finish was harshly ruled out.
German newspaper BILD recently reported that Hoffenheim were looking at a possible move to bring Rutter back, perhaps on loan. But Hay told TSB’s latest podcast that he was told Rutter would likely remain at Elland Road.
“Georginio Rutter was one, it was said to me right after the season finished that he will most likely stick around, or Leeds will try to keep him. I know he was linked with a move back to Hoffenheim, we will see with him,” Hay said.
“He was a very, very expensive signing. Presumably, despite everything that is going on, he will see his future at a higher level than this,” Athletic reporter Hay continued, when discussing Rutter on the latest Square Ball podcast.
Phil Hay told Georginio Rutter more than likely to stick around at Leeds
Peter Crouch made a very good point immediately after the 4-1 loss to Tottenham which saw Leeds succumb to relegation. He said that Rutter had struggled. Relegation could actually help the Frenchman restore his confidence.
Rutter is clearly a player that is better when playing with confidence. At Hoffenheim, he had a hand in 19 goals in 64 games from out wide, starting only 31 of those matches. Championship football may help Rutter rediscover his form.
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