Georginio Rutter has now made his decision on whether he will stay at Leeds United, or join Brighton.
Brighton activated Rutter’s £40 million release clause last night with reports suggesting it ran out at midnight yesterday, meaning the Seagulls got there in the nick of time.
Rutter had actually been aware of this before Leeds‘ 3-0 defeat to Middlesbrough, but still decided to make himself available for the game.
The 22-year-old came off the bench but could not prevent an embarrassing evening from taking place at Elland Road, as Leeds went crashing out of the Carabao Cup.
With news of Brighton’s offer coming to light late last night, all that was remaining was Rutter’s decision.
Rutter makes Leeds decision after Brighton bid
Leeds have already raised a significant amount of cash in player sales this summer thanks to the exits of Crysencio Summerville and Archie Gray.
In fact, only Aston Villa have made more. With that in mind, Leeds were in no need to sell Rutter, but have been pretty helpless as a result of the clause.
Leeds had been ‘begging’ Rutter to stay with the prospect of a new contract also not ruled out, but according to journalist Florian Plettenberg, he has now made his decision.
The 22-year-old has decided he will be making the move to the South Coast, and a medical could take place in the next 72 hours.
It is said a ‘verbal agreement’ has been reached between Rutter and Brighton, with the final details just needing to be clarified today before he travels down.
Who could Leeds replace Rutter with?
Leeds now face the enormous task of replacing both him and Summerville given how long they have taken to move for a winger.
It is going to be practically impossible for Leeds to find players anywhere near as good as those, and some serious cash will need spending.
Manuel Benson and Jonathan Rowe appear to be two targets for Leeds, though the latter is looking unlikely right now.
Only a statement signing like Jack Clarke would soften the blow of the players Leeds have lost.
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