Leeds United could lose their third prized asset this summer in a big blow to their promotion hopes.
They have already lost Crysencio Summerville and Archie Gray, but now Georginio Rutter also looks on his way out of the club.
According to The Athletic, Brighton & Hove Albion have triggered a £40 million release clause in the contract of Rutter.
Now everything depends on the 22-year-old whether or not he wants to join the Seagulls.
Rutter has been a hugely important player for Leeds and losing him would be a big blow for them.
Therefore, the Whites are virtually begging the talented forward to stay at Elland Road, per Beren Cross.
He is said to have developed a warm relationship with the club’s supporters and has never been linked with an exit since their relegation to the second-tier.
But the lure of the Premier League can turn anyone’s head and manager Daniel Farke could find it very hard to convince the player to stay.
Rutter joined Leeds in January 2023 for a club record fee worth up to £35 million. He made 11 top-flight appearances during the second-half of the 2022-23 season as his team suffered relegation to the Championship.
The French footballer struck seven goals and provided 15 assists in 48 league appearances last term, but the Yorkshire outfit lost 1-0 to Southampton in the play-off final to miss out on promotion.
He started Leeds’ first Championship match against Portsmouth last weekend and also featured in their latest EFL Cup match against Middlesbrough.
Fans will hope Rutter rejects the opportunity to join Brighton and stay at Elland Road. Otherwise, they may struggle to find a quality replacement for him with just weeks remaining in the summer transfer window.
Stats from Transfermarkt
