Leeds United are planning to sign their next Georginio Rutter, but it’s not a good thing

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By the time Georginio Rutter left Leeds United in the summer of 2024, he was a favourite of the Elland Road crowd. But it didn’t start that way when Rutter initially joined Leeds.

During the 2023-24 season, in which Leeds reached the Championship play-off final, Rutter would have a hand in 24 goals. Eight of his own, and a whopping 16 assists, most of which came from the no.10 role.

Rutter glided past opponents, twinned with physicality and skill as well as a touch of creativity, which saw him become a favourite in Daniel Farke’s first season. It saw Brighton pay a whopping £40m for Rutter.

When Rutter left, fans were angry, gutted, and most importantly, concerned. But the importance of Rutter was only realised six months after Leeds broke their transfer record to sign him from Hoffenheim.

Those initial six months for Rutter were brutal. Sam Allardyce said Rutter wasn’t ready during his four-game stint as Leeds manager. His 13 games after a £35m move resulted in no goals and one late assist.

• READ MORE: Liam Cooper breaks silence on his Leeds United exit under Daniel Farke

Franculino is a top player, but there are similarities with Rutter

Now, Leeds find themselves in the same position as the 2022-23 season. Fighting relegation, in need of goals and a striker who can provide them. In January 2023, Leeds spent big on an untested youngster.

Well, LeedsUnited.News understands Leeds have been watching 21-year-old Franculino, who has been on fire for FC Midtjylland. A player who has scored 19 goals already during the 2025-26 season.

It is believed Midtjylland wants a fee of £40m for their young African ace. Leeds certainly need an attacker and one that can score goals, but is it right to rely on a striker who is young and unproven in England?

Leeds must avoid signing Franculino while the pressure is on

If Leeds need to look into the archives for evidence over whether signing Franculino is the right move, then look no further than Rutter. Young, the weight of a big price tag, required to score goals instantly.

Rutter failed, despite the quality of the former Rennes and Hoffenheim star. Franculino might be doing it in Denmark, but it would be unfair and wrong to pin the hopes of survival on him, as it was Rutter.

There are many similarities between Rutter and Franculino, right down to the price. In 2023, Leeds needed a proven Premier League scorer, not Rutter. In 2026, Leeds need the same, not £40m-rated Franculino.