Georginio Rutter making Brighton & Hove Albion switch as long-term deal 'signed' — Yorkshire Post 17/8/24
By Tom Coates
Georginio Rutter has reportedly passed a medical at Brighton
& Hove Albion, with his move from Leeds United set to be confirmed.
Brighton activated Rutter’s £40m release clause earlier this
week, with news breaking in the immediate aftermath of Leeds’ Carabao Cup
defeat to Middlesbrough.
Rutter featured in the game, entering the fray as a
substitute, but it appears it was his final game in Leeds colours. According to
Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, Rutter has passed a medical with the
Seagulls and penned a long-term contract.
An announcement is thought to be due soon, following the
completion of a deal said to be worth €50m including potential bonus payments.
Speaking earlier this week, Whites boss Daniel Farke
confirmed Rutter was expected to depart and that he had bid an emotional
farewell to teammates. He said: "I expect he will leave, it's not in our
hands anymore.
"The news came out more or less during our preparation
for the game on Wednesday in the early afternoon so Georgie was aware, I was
aware, the players are not stupid, they were aware.
"Fair play to Georgie that he didn't rule himself out
of the game. He said ‘I need to sleep on this overnight,' but he wanted to be
involved in this game, so credit to him.
"But this morning was a pretty emotional morning
because he more or less said goodbye. I can't confirm anything yet because it's
just just done when it's done but he has said goodbye in a pretty emotional way
to every staff member and each of his teammates. I expect in the next 24 to 48
hours it will be confirmed officially. I'm pretty sure we will be without him
from today on."
It marks another bitter blow in the transfer window for
Leeds, who have already lost the likes of Archie Gray and Crysencio
Summerville. There is now heightening pressure on the Whites to recruit, with
the summer window approaching its final stages.