Leeds United ‘will look to complete’ a deal for Hoffenheim striker Georginio Rutter this January, Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor has told GiveMeSport.
The 20-year-old appears to be closing in on a move to Elland Road as Leeds manager Jesse Marsch looks to add some much-needed cover and competition upfront for Patrick Bamford.
Leeds United transfer news – Rutter
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that negotiations between Hoffenheim and Leeds are now ‘very advanced’ and that personal terms have already been agreed with Rutter.
It’s believed that the fee being discussed by the two clubs is around €30 million (£26.4m), which would make the France Under-21 international one of the Whites’ most expensive purchases.
Rutter’s current contract is not due to expire until the summer of 2026, leaving Hoffenheim in a strong position around the negotiating table.
Football Insider recently claimed that Leeds fear Bamford ‘faces an extended spell on the sidelines’ as he continues to struggle with his recovery from a hernia operation.
Rodrigo has filled in admirably for the 29-year-old in the first half of the season, but a more permanent solution may be required if his fitness woes continue to plague his career.
What has Taylor said about Rutter?
Taylor believes that Rutter must have been ‘extensively scouted’ by the Leeds recruitment staff and that it’s a transfer ‘they will probably get over the line’.
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
In an interview with GMS, he said: “Rutter’s goal record in the Bundesliga isn't incredible, but it's clear he must have been extensively scouted, and he has high potential for the future.
“So, I do think that is a deal Leeds will look to complete, and I do think it's one they will probably get over the line.”
Would Rutter be a good signing?
Rutter moved to the Rhein-Neckar-Arena from Rennes back in January 2021, but as Taylor alluded to, his record in front of goal has hardly been prolific.
The 6 foot ace has registered 11 goals and eight assists in 64 appearances for the German outfit across all competitions, although he has put up some impressive underlying numbers along the way.
As per FBref, Rutter has ranked in the 99th percentile for blocks, 98th for completed dribbles, 93rd for interceptions, and 83rd for progressive passes amongst his positional peers over the last year.
Leeds have evidently been impressed by Rutter’s overall ability rather than just his pure goal threat, yet Marsch will surely still want the forward to weigh in with some important strikes should he make the switch.