Leeds complete the signing of Georginio Rutter for a club-record £36m from Hoffenheim

Leeds United have confirmed the signing of Georginio Rutter from Bundesliga club Hoffenheim for a club-record fee.

The 20-year-old has signed a five-and-a-half-year deal at Elland Road after passing a £36million medical treatment.

The deal for France’s Rutter beats the £27million fee Leeds paid for Valencia’s Rodrigo in 2019.

Leeds United have confirmed the signing of Georginio Rutter from Hoffenheim

The 20-year-old Frenchman has scored twice in 17 games in all competitions this season

The France Under-21 international has scored twice in 17 games in all competitions for Hoffenheim this season and has an overall tally of 11 goals in 64 games for the Bundesliga side since joining from Rennes in 2021.

Leeds had become aware of rival suitors and wanted to ensure they were ahead of the competition, particularly after missing out on strikers such as Bamba Dieng and Cody Gakpo on deadline day last September.

Particular progress was made in negotiations on Wednesday afternoon, prompting television stations in Germany to declare the deal closed. However, it is understood that there are still some details to be ironed out, but an agreement is expected.

A striker was high on Jesse Marsch’s wish list this window and while Rutter is not a prolific striker his high energy combined with his dribbling skills and work rate give him the ideal profile for the Leeds squad.

A new forward was high on Jesse Marsch’s wish list in this window

Rutter would be Leeds’ second acquisition in January, following the £9.75million signing of Max Wober from Red Bull Salzburg last week.

They are also keen to add two younger players, with Birmingham City Under-19 England midfielder George Hall a prime target.

Leeds currently sit 14th in the Premier League table after losing 2-1 to Aston Villa on Friday night.

The Elland Road side will look to win when they take on Cardiff in Wednesday’s FA Cup third round replay before hosting Brentford in the league next weekend.