Leeds United are reportedly on the verge of reaching a full agreement with TSG Hoffenheim to sign French striker Georginio Rutter, with a deal expected to cost €40m (£35m) in total.
According to L’Equipe, a breakthrough has been made in talks between Leeds and Hoffenheim for the 20-year-old attacker, with the Yorkshire side close to agreeing to a club-record transfer for Rutter worth an initial €30m that could rise to €40m with add-ons.
Noted by L’Equipe as an ‘unbelievable’ talent, Rutter is regarded by many as one of the most exciting prospects in the Bundesliga and an attacker who could one day become a regular for the French national team, though the youngster has only managed two goals and two assists this season.
Despite a poor record this campaign, that hasn’t stopped Leeds from pushing Hoffenheim into selling their star asset to the Elland Road side, with Rutter now set to sign for the Whites in a deal that will please Jesse Marsch greatly.
With Leeds struggling to find the back of the net this season and Patrick Bamford seemingly at the end of his lifespan at the club, signing Rutter for both the present and the future could prove to be a masterstroke from Marsch, with the American having a strong track record of developing young players.
Indeed, the former RB Salzburg coach was key in Erling Haaland’s development as well as for Tyler Adams during their time together with the New York Red Bulls. And in Rutter, Marsch could have his first definitive project at Leeds where the stakes could not be higher.
Leeds signing Rutter is a huge risk for Marsch this season
Leeds might be sat in 15th place in the Premier League, but just two points separate the Whites from top-flight safety and the relegation zone. And with Rutter the Yorkshire side’s marquee signing this month, fans will be expecting the youngster to perform.
And no person will be feeling the pressure more than Marsch, who is set to land a club-record signing that could take seasons to fully develop and be ready to compete in the Premier League, which might anger supporters in the weeks to come.
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