Brighton & Hove Albion have finalized the signing of French forward Georginio Rutter from Leeds United for a club-record fee of £40 million. The 22-year-old has agreed to a five-year contract with the Seagulls.
Rutter, who joined Leeds from Hoffenheim in January 2023, made 66 appearances for the West Yorkshire club, scoring eight goals. His transfer to Leeds broke the club’s previous transfer record, with the deal reaching up to £36 million.
Brighton’s technical director, David Weir, remarked that Rutter is a player the club has been monitoring for some time. “He’s a strong technical player and one we are excited to bring to the club. We look forward to seeing him continue to develop with us,” Weir stated.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler expressed enthusiasm about Rutter’s potential. “Georginio is a player who has the capabilities to get fans off their seats and really showed what he can do in English football with Leeds last season – but I have known about him since he played in Germany for Hoffenheim,” Hurzeler noted. He added, “Now we have to integrate him into the team. We’re looking forward to working with him.”
Leeds United confirmed that they made “every effort” to retain Rutter despite Brighton triggering his release clause. Rutter played in Leeds’ opening Championship match against Portsmouth and appeared in the League Cup tie against Middlesbrough before his departure.
Brighton will host Manchester United in their next Premier League fixture on Saturday, following their 3-0 victory over Everton at Goodison Park in their season opener.
