There appears to be a trend developing regarding Leeds United’s January transfer plans.
Instead of bringing in an orthodox left-back, the Premier League outfit spent £10 million on Red Bull Salzburg’s Max Wober; a centre-half by trade but versatile and technical enough to thrive in a wider role.
Morocco’s World Cup star Azzedine Ounahi, meanwhile, has played in a variety of midfield positions for club and country in 2022/23, thriving in attacking, defensive and box-to-box roles, while also filling in wide on the right when required. Fabrizio Romano reports that Leeds’ interest in the silky Angers playmaker is genuine.
Georginio Rutter follows in a similar vein. Hoffenheim’s France U21 international appears to be Leeds’ number one target to ease the burden on an injury-hit Patrick Bamford at Elland Road. Like Wober and Ounahi, Rutter would give Jesse Marsch not just added competition and strength in depth but also genuine flexibility.
Georginio Rutter on his way to Leeds United
The Bundesliga whizzkid is more of a Wilfried Gnonto than he is a Bamford. Rutter can play through the middle. But he is also equally effective on the flanks; a wider role allowing him to showcase his explosive pace, nimble footwork and thrilling unpredictability.
It’s telling that the Bundesliga website likens Rutter, who has scored ten league goals since the start of last season, to Bayern Munich’s Serge Gnabry. Gnabry, after all, has sparkled in about every attacking role imaginable.
It’s not exactly obvious where Rutter fits into this Leeds United team, then, with Leeds in talks over a potential club-record £35 million deal (Sky Sports). Though that is not necessarily a bad thing. The addition of two-footed, highly-adaptable attacker will certainly keep the opposition guessing.
Does Marsch see Rutter stepping into Bamford’s shoes through the middle? Or will he be utilised out wide instead?
“I think my left foot is my stronger foot, but I’m extremely confident with my right foot as well. I’d say I’m two footed,” says Rutter; seven goals with his right, three with his left and three with his head since joining Hoffenheim from Rennes.
“My qualities come to the fore in one-on-one situations. I can outfox a lot of opponents with my speed. I’m not scared of losing the ball. Those are all attacking attributes that make the game attractive.”
‘Unbelievable’
Given that Jack Harrison, Crysensio Summerville, Jack Harrison and the aforementioned Gnonto are all more comfortable on the left-hand side, do not be surprised to see Rutter start on the right under Marsch. Rutter, after all, admits to being slightly more comfortable on his left foot, and may therefore be tasked with cutting inside in a manner reminiscent of Raphinha.
“Georginio’s development over the last year with us has been breathtaking,” beams Hoffenheim sporting director Alexander Rosen. “He’s one of the most promising young players in European football. Despite his young age, he already has an unbelievable blend of athleticism, technique, speed and an eye for goal.”
The Athletic believe that Leeds see Coventry City’s Viktor Gyokeres as a potential alternative to Rutter. But it’s not necessarily a case of ‘one or the other’. Gyokeres, a classic number nine far closer to Bamford in style, has 13 goals in 26 games for mid-table Coventry City this term. The Swede could be the perfect foil for Leeds’ array of jet-heeled wide forwards; adding physicality, strength and a real poacher’s instinct in the middle.
With Leeds dropping around £30 million on Rutter, however, the likes of Ounahi and the £18 million-rated Gyokeres may have to wait until the summer. Especially with chairman Andrea Radrizzani speaking openly about the need for further investment.
The ides of Marsch
But while Marsch might not have the support of each and every Leeds supporter – he still has the vibe of a spirited step-dad vying the love of a son still pining for Marcelo Bielsa – it’s hard to imagine that Radrizzani would be willing to invest up to £35 million on one of Europe’s brightest young forwards if Marsch’s position was under any immediate threat.
Marsch’s Leeds feel like a team in transition, one searching for a clear identity. But another couple of windows, and another couple of signings, should help the American put his stamp on Elland Road. For better or for worse.
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