Leeds United have verbal agreement in place for Georginio Rutter loan exit
Leeds United have a verbal agreement with record-signing Georginio Rutter to depart the club on loan this summer amid interest from former club TSG Hoffenheim and SC Freiburg, according to Kicker.
The German magazine reported (1 August) that Rutter’s relegation release clause, which would have allowed him to leave the club on loan, was not contractual. Rather, was a verbal agreement between the Frenchman and former Leeds sporting director Victor Orta.
The likes of Robin Koch and Brenden Aaronson have all used this relegation release clause to depart on loan moves to the Bundesliga, but Rutter’s exit from Elland Road is more complicated.
Frustrating
For Rutter, the prospect of playing a season in the Championship will not be ideal. He likely would not have departed Hoffenheim to join Leeds if he thought that relegation would close the chapter on his first six months at the club.
However, he now finds himself in a frustrating situation if he wants to leave Leeds on loan this summer.
Rutter came to the club with high expectations, but never truly hit the ground running since arriving in January for a record £35million fee [The Athletic]. He only managed one Premier League assist in their relegation-confirming loss to Tottenham on the last day of the season.
He did not manage to score in Leeds colours either, so it is clear to see why fans have been underwhelmed by the 21-year-old.
But, he is still wanted by two Bundesliga clubs but the lack of contractual obligation on Leeds’ side to allow him to leave means his path away from Elland Road could be challenging.
Leeds may be keen to use his services in the Championship in an attempt to prove his expensive price tag was justified. A recent injury to the France youth regular could also impact a move, as he sustained a core muscle injury during Leeds’ pre-season clash against Hearts on Sunday (30 July), which could mean he would miss the first game of the Championship season [Graham Smyth].
Orta’s role in this issue must not be understated either, as having just a verbal agreement over such a matter feels quite short-sighted, especially in hindsight. Now at Sevilla, Orta does not have to worry himself over such matters.
However, Rutter’s exit from Leeds United looks to be complicated.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites may have a second chance to secure the signature of a star Napoli forward.