Georginio Rutter faces Leeds this Saturday for the first time since his £40m move to Brighton in August 2024.
The Frenchman has amassed 40 appearances for the Seagulls since departing Elland Road, a move which most likely would never have happened if Leeds beat Southampton in the 2024 Championship play-off final.
Georginio Rutter never received much of a chance in the Premier League with Leeds – playing just 264 minutes across 11 appearances under four different managers in Jesse Marsch, Michael Skubala, Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce.
The latter was the toughest on the France U21 international, handing him just 30 minutes of action, and actually proceeded to tell the Under the Cosh Podcast exactly why that was.
Sam Allardyce felt Georginio Rutter was not good enough to play for Leeds
After the 23-year-old made his £40m move to Brighton, Allardyce was asked why he hardly used the forward in Yorkshire.
The 71-year-old bluntly said: “He wasn’t good enough.”
When pushed to elaborate, Allardyce added: “I just couldn’t believe they paid that much money for him. Under those circumstances he was too young. Coming in and playing in a struggling side in the Premier League that young was a lot to ask.”
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Leeds spent £35.5m to sign Rutter – who loves Elland Road – from TSG Hoffenheim back in January 2023 when he was just 20 years of age, becoming the club’s record transfer in the process.
Given his lack of experience at the time, it would have been a huge ask for Rutter to perform even in a settled side, let alone one who had four different managers in the second half of that chaotic 2022/23 campaign.
What Georginio Rutter said when he left Leeds
The man born in Plescop was not at Leeds for long, but he quickly grew an attachment to the club.
After his move to Brighton, Rutter – who Pep Guardiola has praised – penned an emotional message on Instagram which read: “Hi Leeds Family.
“It’s hard for me to say goodbye, but the time has come for me to move on. When I joined Leeds, I knew I was becoming part of something special, but I didn’t realise how much this club would mean to me. Leeds United has been more than just a team for me – it’s been like a family that has supported and helped me grow.
“From day one, you, the fans, have always been there, cheering me on and showing me what it means to play for Leeds. You made me feel at home, and I will always remember that. 💛💙
“My time here was full of hard work, great moments, and strong friendships. I’m leaving as a better player and a better person, and I’m really thankful for that.
“Even though I’m heading in a new direction, Leeds United will always be a part of who I am. I wish you all the best for the future and the challenges ahead. Thank you for everything, Leeds. I’ll never forget you. MOT💛💙 Georginio.”
It could therefore be a tearful afternoon for Rutter on Saturday as he prepares to reunite with some familiar faces at the Amex Stadium.