What Georginio Rutter was seen doing just before leaving Elland Road after Leeds’ defeat to Middlesbrough

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Georginio Rutter looks as though he has played his final game in a Leeds United shirt.

In a very sudden turn of events, Rutter appears as though he is on his way to Brighton & Hove Albion after they activated the £40 million release clause in his contract.

Brighton had agreed to meet the clause before Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup defeat to Middlesbrough, in which Rutter came on as a second half substitute.

Despite the agreement, Rutter actually refused to make himself unavailable for the match, but it could well have been his final goodbye to Elland Road.

Leeds are still determined to tie him to a new contract in order to fend off interest, but it would appear he has made his decision on a move to Brighton.

• READ MORE: £8.5m Leeds player produced a performance of someone who doesn’t want to be at Elland Road vs Middlesbrough

What Rutter was seen doing leaving Elland Road

Losing both Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville was hard enough, but Rutter’s exit certainly feels like the most bitter pill to swallow.

After such a difficult first few months at Leeds, Rutter really turned around his fortunes and built a brilliant relationship with supporters thanks to both his personality and performances.

Clearly Rutter’s exit is going to be emotional for both sides, and according to the Yorkshire Evening Post, that was reflected in how he left Elland Road last night.

It is said Rutter was actually seen in tears before leaving, likely knowing it was his final appearance in a white shirt at Leeds’ home stadium.

The report also suggests Leeds would be willing to offer Rutter a contract that matches what Brighton are prepared to pay.

However, the lure of Premier League football is likely to prove too much and clearly judging by how he left Elland Road, Middlesbrough was the last game as a Leeds player.

• READ MORE: BBC pundit says Daniel Farke needs to loan ‘magic’ Leeds United player out after performance vs Middlesbrough

Rutter’s comments on future make Leeds exit even more difficult

Rutter had been in no rush to leave Leeds and despite bids from Brighton earlier in the summer, certainly did not force it through.

In fact, Rutter released a YouTube video on his football journey earlier this month, dropping a big hint that he would be at Leeds for another season.

That certainly makes his exit an even more bitter pill to swallow.

He said: “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.”