What Georginio Rutter said about his future this month as Leeds star agrees £40m Brighton move

Add as preferred source on Google

Georginio Rutter has agreed a move to join Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion from Leeds United after the Seagulls activated a £40m clause in his Elland Road contract.

A few hours after Leeds suffered a dismal loss to Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup at home, in which Rutter came on for the last 30 minutes, it was reported Brighton had activated £40m clause in his deal.

Leeds have sold seven players including Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville, without replacing the two. Glen Kamara, Marc Roca, Diego Llorente, Kris Klaesson and Charlie Cresswell have also left Leeds.

Angst among the fanbase is growing tall given Gray and Summerville have not been replaced, while Leeds have conceded three goals in both of their opening two matches and being hammered by Boro last night.

• READ MORE: What Luke Ayling did to Georginio Rutter before kick-off last night

What Rutter said about his future as Brighton activate clause

Gray’s exit was heartbreaking, but the 18-year-old’s exit was key for Profit & Sustainability Rules and the fact that Leeds were able to use the sale of Gray to sign Joe Rodon permanently from Tottenham Hotspur.

Summerville’s exit was a blow but it was also understandable. The Dutchman was always expected to go and a move to West Ham was harder to turn down when it was reported a clause had been triggered.

Now, Rutter is set to leave having agreed to join the Seagulls ahead of the 2024-25 Premier League campaign. Speaking on his YouTube channel earlier this month, Rutter hinted he was staying put.

“Unfortunately, it’s not what we wanted, but it’s not an end. After a rest, it’s time to get back to work, more determined than ever so next year will be a better season for me. I’ll be ready and give it my all.”

Rutter knew last night he would be leaving Leeds for Brighton

The Athletic report that Rutter was aware Brighton had activated his exit clause but despite that, his behaviour had been “exemplary”. He could have refused to play but he chose to help his current side.

There is no doubting that Rutter loves Leeds and his passion for the club is more than clear, especially seeing his tears at Wembley following the play-off final defeat to Southampton at the end of last season.

But it seems Rutter has taken the emotion out of a decision and chosen to join Brighton. From his point of view, it is hard to turn such a chance down – joining a side well run, and well-placed in the top tier.