Georginio Rutter joins Leeds United from Hoffenheim for a club record fee.
Georginio Rutter joins Leeds United from Hoffenheim for a club record fee.
Leeds United have completed the signing of Georginio Rutter from Hoffenheim for a club record fee.
The 20-year-old Frenchman joins Elland Road on a five-and-a-half-year contract worth up to 40 million euros (£36 million).
After joining the Bundesliga club from Rennes in 2021, Rutter scored 11 goals in 64 appearances.
“I’m delighted to be here,” Rutter said. “I’m very enthusiastic about my football and the fans.
Rutter is Leeds’ second signing of the transfer window, following the £10 million arrival of RB Salzburg captain Max Wober.
He is ineligible to play in Wednesday’s FA Cup third-round replay against Cardiff, but he could make his Premier League debut on January 22 against Brentford.
Jesse Marsch’s side, who have been hampered by injuries to England forward Patrick Bamford, will benefit from his arrival at Elland Road.
Rutter made his France Under-21s debut in March 2022 and has played for his country alongside Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
“We regret the premature departure of this highly talented player, who is not only a great guy but can also provide spectacular moments on the pitch,” Hoffenheim director of football Alexander Rosen said.
“Given the club’s third-highest transfer fee in history, as well as Georgi’s clearly expressed desire to move, it would have made no sense to prevent him from following his dreams. I’m sure I won’t be the only one who misses him.”
