Brighton and Hove Albion have reportedly made a £40m bid for Leeds United forward Georginio Rutter, according to sources. The Premier League club has activated a release clause in Rutter’s contract, leaving the decision on the transfer now in the hands of the player.
The Athletic previously reported that Leeds had turned down offers of £29m and £35m for the French attacker, but Brighton’s third bid has met the release clause, forcing the decision.
Rutter has played in Leeds’ first two matches of the 2024/25 season, including a substitute appearance in their 3-0 Carabao Cup loss to Middlesbrough. If Rutter leaves, it would deal a significant blow to Leeds’ promotion ambitions, as the talented forward contributed six goals and 16 assists last season, helping Leeds secure a third-place finish in the Championship.
Since joining from Hoffenheim in January 2023 for a potential club-record fee of £35m, Rutter has become a key figure in the team and has excelled in the number 10 role under manager Daniel Farke. This summer, Leeds have already seen the departures of Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville, with Summerville’s £25m release clause being triggered by West Ham United. As Leeds prepares to face West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, it remains uncertain whether Rutter will feature in the squad at The Hawthorns.
