Credit: Imago

Aheed Abrar

Sun 17 May 2026 18:10, UK

Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu shared a warm embrace with Brighton & Hove Albion forward Georginio Rutter on Sunday.

The Whites ran out winners against the Seagulls at Elland Road as Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored a stoppage-time winner in the 1-0 victory.

While home fans had a lot to cheer for in LS11 on 17 May, they will surely hope Ampadu got into Rutter’s ears over a potential return to Elland Road.

The 24-year-old Frenchman replaced Danny Welbeck in the 65th minute and immediately shared a few words with the Wales international.

Daniel Farke hopes to be backed at Elland Road in the upcoming transfer window and the ex-Hoffenheim star’s return will surely be something that will get the supporters excited.

Leeds United show Georginio Rutter what he’s missing in win vs Brighton

Fabian Hurzeler has admitted Rutter isn’t happy with his game time at Brighton, possibly leaving the door open for his exit in the summer.

The atmosphere at Elland Road was raucous from the get-go as home fans serenaded Farke and the Whites for securing Premier League safety.

In the last three games, the Frenchman has come off the bench, and he has failed to cement his place in the Seagulls’ starting lineup this season.

Rutter is still held in high regard by the West Yorkshire outfit’s supporters and the prospect of regular opportunities in the top flight with the Peacocks may entice him.

Joel Piroe gets Elland Road send-off

Joel Piroe’s Leeds exit looks inevitable after falling down the pecking order under Farke in the 2026-27 campaign.

The Suriname international came on for what could potentially be his final appearance at Elland Road for the Whites and almost scored with a shot from outside the box.

With the 26-year-old forward possibly on his way out, it would make sense for the West Yorkshire outfit to make an approach for Rutter in the coming months.

The Peacocks should undoubtedly look to improve their forward line in the summer and it will be interesting to see whether the French national will be an option for them.