Brighton sign Rutter in £40m club record deal

Brighton have completed the signing of French forward Georginio Rutter for a club record fee of £40m from Leeds.

The 22-year-old joins the Seagulls on a five-year contract.

Rutter scored eight goals in 66 appearances for Leeds after joining from Hoffenheim in January 2023, when the West Yorkshire club broke their own transfer record with a deal worth up to £36m.

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 game on Saturday after beating Everton 3-0 at Goodison Park in their season opener.