“Brighton Lands £40 Million Sensation: Georginio Rutter Leaves Leeds for Premier League Ambition”
Brighton & Hove Albion have secured the signing of forward Georginio Rutter from Leeds United, a Championship team, with the player agreeing to a five-year contract, both clubs announced on Monday.
Although the financial terms were not disclosed, reports from English media suggest that Brighton paid a club-record fee of £40 million ($51 million) for the 22-year-old Frenchman.
Rutter initially joined Leeds from Hoffenheim, a German club, in 2023 for what was then a record fee of up to £36 million ($46 million). During his 18-month stint at Leeds, he made 66 appearances and scored eight goals.
“Georginio is a player with the ability to excite fans and demonstrated his potential in English football with Leeds last season, but I’ve been aware of his talent since his time at Hoffenheim,” a statement read.
Leeds acknowledged that despite their efforts to keep Rutter, they were unable to convince him to stay.
“Despite every effort to retain Georginio at Elland Road, once his exit clause was triggered, he remained determined to leave, and we respect his decision,” Leeds said.
Brighton’s next Premier League match is at home against Manchester United on Saturday, following their 3-0 victory over Everton in their season opener.