Brighton & Hove Albion have announced the signing of forward Georginio Rutter from Leeds United.
The 22-year-old has penned a five-year contract until 2029 and joins the Seagulls for a club-record £40m after they activated his release clause last week.
Brighton have broken their transfer record for the second time this summer having previously recruited attacker Yankuba Minteh for around £33m from Newcastle United earlier this summer.
The Frenchman was a club-record signing for Leeds when he joined the club from Hoffenheim for £35m in January 2023, but he now departs 19 months later having made a total of 66 appearances in all competitions, scoring eight goals and providing 18 assists.
Rutter initially struggled to live up to his hefty price tag at Leeds, as he failed to score in 11 top-flight appearances as the West Yorkshire outfit suffered relegation to the Championship in 2022-23.
However, the versatile attacker - who can operate as a number 10 or as a central striker - transformed into an integral first-team player under Daniel Farke last season, scoring seven goals and registering 15 assists in 48 Championship matches as Leeds finished third and lost in the playoff final.
Welcome to the Albion, Georginio! 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/tZ2LamkVPV
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) August 19, 2024
Hurzeler: 'Rutter can get fans off their seats'
Rutter has now made the decision to join Brighton and challenge himself again in the Premier League, becoming Fabian Hurzeler's seventh summer signing of the summer after Minteh, Brajan Gruda, Mats Wieffer, Ibrahim Osman, Malick Yalcouye and Amario Cozier-Duberry.
Speaking about Rutter to Brighton's official website, Hurzeler said: "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.
"Now we have to integrate him into the team. We're looking forward to working with him."
Technical director David Weir added: "Georginio is a player we 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."
Rutter: 'It's hard to say goodbye to Leeds'
Rutter has taken to social media to bid farewell to Leeds, posting on Instagram: "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 realize 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."
Rutter could make his debut for Brighton when they welcome Manchester United to the Amex Stadium for their first Premier League home match of the 2024-25 campaign on Saturday.
Oliver Thomas
