The 49ers have made embarrassing mistake at Leeds United which they are now being made to pay for

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Leeds United supporters are no strangers when it comes to ownership problems.

Ken Bates, GFH Capital, Massimo Cellino and to a lesser extent Andrea Radrizzani have all made their fair share of mistakes in the last 20 years.

However, following 49ers Enterprises full takeover of Radrizzani last summer, things had appeared to be different. The way this window has gone, though, means fresh doubts are kicking in.

When Archie Gray’s sale to Tottenham Hotspur was announced, Leeds wrote in their official statement that his exit would help with the retention of other key players.

Paraag Marathe also said the same about Red Bull’s sponsorship, yet since then Crysencio Summerville has been sold, and Georginio Rutter is set to follow.

• READ MORE: Leeds United should ask for £9.5m Brighton attacker in return after agreeing Georginio Rutter sale

49ers make glaring mistake with Georginio Rutter deal

Prior to Brighton activating Rutter’s £40 million release clause, Leeds actually rejected two offers totalling £29 million and £35 million from the Seagulls.

However, with the release clause expiring at midnight this morning, Brighton officially informed Leeds of their desire to trigger it yesterday.

In LUFC Trust’s statement after talks with the club about Rutter‘s situation, they confirmed that it was the player’s wish to have a relegation release clause in his contract.

It is not that part which is baffling, though, but the valuation of it. Leeds spent £35.5 million to sign Rutter from Hoffenheim in January 2023, so in what world would a £40 million release clause represent good business?

Rutter was just 20 at the time of his arrival and so clearly Leeds viewed him as a player with big potential. It is difficult to understand why they would then put a clause in which generates such little profit.

What’s more, questions should also be asked as to why Leeds are only now trying to hand Rutter a new contract after Brighton’s bid.

Rutter has shown no sign of wanting to leave this summer and so clearly would’ve been willing to put pen-to-paper on fresh terms had the offer of a new deal been there earlier.

Tying Rutter to fresh terms would’ve then benefitted both parties, with Rutter earning a well deserved pay-rise, and Leeds either removing the release clause completely, or increasing the value of it.

Unlike many of the other clauses that have been seen since relegation, 49ers cannot hide behind the previous regime’s mistakes.

According to David Ornstein at the time of Rutter’s arrival, it was the 49ers who played a key role in ensuring the deal got over the line, meaning they are very much responsible for this clause.

Leeds now find themselves in a position where they need to replace their best two players with just two weeks of the window remaining.

• READ MORE: LUFC Trust shares whether Georginio Rutter is still training at Leeds after reports of medical at Brighton

What Rutter was seen doing leaving Elland Road last night

As mentioned, Rutter has not looked to force through any move behind-the-scenes despite long-standing interest from Brighton.

He knew even before Wednesday’s game with Middlesbrough that a deal had been agreed, yet still made himself available for the match.

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

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