Sky Sports journalist slams Leeds United striker Georginio Rutter
Leeds United record signing Georginio Rutter has “struggled to make his mark” since joining in January, according to Sky Sports News senior reporter Tim Thornton.
The Yorkshire outfit broke their transfer record to bring the striker to Elland Road in January.
Rutter cost the Premier League side £35.5m, but he is yet to score since arriving from Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim.
“Tactically Leeds have looked to have more structure under Gracia,” Thornton wrote for Sky Sports. “But some of the intensity has been lost and the team have looked far too vulnerable on the counter-attack in the last two games.
“Leeds also need more of an impact from their January transfer window signings. With the exception of Wober, the other recruits are taking time to find their feet. Record signing Georginio Rutter has struggled to make his mark.”
Miserable debut season
Rutter has cut a hugely frustrated figure in his brief spell at Leeds so far, with the striker failing to hit the back of the net in any of his 12 matches for his new club.
It’s a signing that has backfired massively, with the Whites desperately in need of some attacking flair in these nervous times.
They are conceding goals at a rapid rate, but are also struggling in the final third, with Leeds looking increasingly likely of getting relegated this season.
There will still be hope that manager Javi Gracia can turn things around, but he will need Rutter to get off the mark and produce the goods that many expect him to.
Off the pitch, there is of course the worry of Leeds facing a major financial issue with Rutter, with the club definitely not going to receive anywhere near the fee they paid for the striker if he gets moved on this summer.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites will be without two first-team players for their Premier League clash against Fulham on Saturday (22 April), according to injury expert Ben Dinnery.