BBC Sport says if anyone else triggered Rutter release clause before Leeds United deadline
Brighton & Hove Albion are the only side to have triggered the release clause of Leeds United striker Georginio Rutter, according to BBC Sport.
Writing on their website [15 August] the outlet reported Brighton has activated the £40m release clause before the deadline at midnight on Thursday [15 August].
Leeds have turned down multiple approaches from the Seagulls for Rutter this summer and are trying to persuade the striker that his future lies at Elland Road.
Leeds United are set to lose Georginio Rutter
The 22-year-old started the Whites’ opening Championship fixture against Portsmouth and is set for a big season in the second tier, helping to fill the void left by Crysencio Summerville.
Now Leeds face losing their third star player of the summer after Archie Gray and Summerville but, Daniel Farke will be hopeful he can convince Rutter to remain put and help the side in their bid for automatic promotion this season.
Brighton have put the decision in the hands of the player with the activation of the release clause [David Ornstein] and Leeds are now powerless should the Frenchman fancy his chances in the Premier League.
Farke has not yet found replacements for his already departed stars and, adding another to the list, with the 2024/25 Championship season already underway would be a monumental and perhaps impossible task.
The Frenchman is on his way to becoming a fan favourite at Elland Road after eight goals and 16 assists in 51 appearances across all competitions last term, and he followed up with an assist against Portsmouth on the opening day.
Leeds can’t afford to lose Rutter going into the final weeks of the transfer window and must do everything in their power to convince him to stay, another season in the Championship could prove vital for his development and he could still get his Premier League chance next season at a club that values him dearly.
In other Leeds news, the club are on a mission to replace Glen Kamara.
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