By Jennifer Amarachi
Georginio Rutter, a French and Leeds forward, has officially joined Brighton on five-year contract for a club-record of £40 million..
After moving from Hoffenheim to Leeds in January 2023, when the West Yorkshire team smashed their own transfer record with a transaction of up to £36 million, the 22-year-old scored eight goals in 66 appearances for the team.
Brighton technical director David Weir said the Frenchman is a player the Premier League club have been “looking at for a while.
“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,” said Weir.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler added: “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, who at 31 is the Premier League’s youngest boss, added: “Now we have to integrate him into the team. We’re looking forward to working with him.”
Leeds said they made “every effort” to keep Rutter despite the Seagulls activating his release clause.
Rutter played for Leeds in their opening game of the Championship season against Portsmouth before making his final appearance in the League Cup tie against Middlesbrough.
Brighton host Manchester United in their next Premier League encounter on Saturday, having defeated Everton 3-0 at Goodison Park in their season opener.
