New Leeds United striker Georginio Rutter has now revealed the role of Illan Meslier in his transfer from TSG Hoffenheim. Jesse Marsch paid a club-record fee to sign the Frenchman.
The 20-year-old has moved from the Bundesliga to the Premier League in a deal that could hit £36m after add-ons. Rutter also signed a five-and-a-half-year contract to head to Elland Road. Despite Die Kraichgauer paying Stade Rennais just €500k (£450k) to buy him in 2021.
Rutter also only offered the Rhein-Neckar-Arena outfit 11 goals and eight assists during 64 appearances in all competitions. His haul further only included two goals and two assists in 15 German top-flight matches this season. But Leeds and Marsch have bet on his potential.
Marsch believes Rutter has a lot to offer Leeds in an attack also featuring Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo. The Whites’ experienced strikers have so far provided one and 10 goals in the Premier League. Bamford and Rodrigo have also laid on an assist each in 11 and 17 games.
Another injury-hit season for Bamford helped to convince Leeds to buy a forward in Rutter in January. The 29-year-old has only started in four of his top-flight appearances so far this term. He has further only played for a total of 450 minutes while Rodrigo has played 1,227.
Rutter now reveals Meslier’s influence on his transfer from Hoffenheim to Leeds
Rutter will now rival Bamford and Rodrigo to feature in Marsch’s plans after his transfer to Leeds from Hoffenheim. But before switching the Rhein-Neckar-Arena for Elland Road, the 5 ft 11 talent sought advice from Whites goalkeeper Meslier about life in West Yorkshire.
“He’s like a big brother to me,” he told the Daily Mail. “I first met him at Lorient, my first club as a kid. I know that Leeds is a massive club with a lot of history. But having spoken to Illan, he told me from the inside what a great club Leeds is. So, that convinced me, as well.”
Rutter left the Lorient academy at a very young age before spells at Menimur, Vannes and Stade Rennais. He has also featured for France at Under-15, 16, 17, 18, 20 and 21 levels so far. The forward’s time in Les Bleus’ U21 set-up has also seen Rutter reunite with Meslier.
Now, Meslier’s relationship with Rutter helped Leeds seal his transfer from Hoffenheim in January. Marsch will also surely hope their bond helps the striker settle in at Elland Road.
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