49ers make Georginio Rutter decision at Leeds United as Daniel Farke spotted in talks
Incoming Leeds United owners 49ers Enterprises are reportedly keen on the club’s record signing Georginio Rutter and back him to fulfil his potential next season, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.
New manager Daniel Farke shared some time with Rutter at training on Wednesday (5 June), with the German boss also reportedly keen to work with the 21-year-old as Leeds seek to earn promotion back to the Premier League.
Rutter, after arriving at Leeds for a club-record £36million deal at the start of the year, only managed 11 league appearances for the club last season after struggling to make an impression at Elland Road.
Unfulfilled potential finally set to be released?
When Rutter came into the club back in January, Leeds fans were intrigued and excited about the Frenchman who plied his trade at Bundesliga side Hoffenheim to much fanfare.
But he didn’t hit the ground running in Yorkshire and became little more than a spectator to Leeds’ seemingly inevitable downfall. Of the French youth star’s 11 appearances, 10 of them were from the bench.
However, the drop to the Championship may be the scenery change that Rutter needs to revitalise his career and get back to the goal-scoring form that sparked his big-money move last winter.
In his first full season at Hoffenheim in 2021/22, Rutter knocked in eight goals and claimed two assists, while showing off his excellent technique and ball-carrying ability. He enjoyed dropping deep to facilitate link-up play, but also possessed an excellent ability to beat his man, with 5.74 dribbles per 90 in that season [Sporting Life].
Even considering his recent drop in form, Rutter’s successful take-ons over the last 365 days still leave him in the 99th percentile, with an average of 3.02 per 90 [FBRef]
It will be very encouraging for Leeds fans to see not just Farke taking a genuine interest in him, but also the ownership group. The club will certainly be looking to get value from the £36million they forked out for the youngster as Rutter bids to revive his career.