Leeds United have announced the signing of forward Georginio Rutter from Hoffenheim for a club-record fee, believed to be in the region of £35.5m.
The 20-year-old, who will wear the No.24 shirt, has penned a five-and-a-half-year contract at Elland Road, keeping him tied to the West Yorkshire club until the summer of 2028.
Rutter leaves Hoffenheim after just under two years with the German outfit and becomes Jesse Marsch's second signing of the January transfer window after defender Maximilian Wober.
Speaking to Sky Sports News on his arrival at Leeds, Rutter said: "There's a lot of emotion today. It's an important day. I'm very happy to be here and I'm very excited to start.
✍️ #LUFC is delighted to announce the signing of striker Georginio Rutter for a club record transfer fee
— Leeds United (@LUFC) January 14, 2023
"I run and I bring a lot of energy to the pitch. I like dribbling and playing beautifully, scoring goals and getting assists. I hope [I can get the goals that take Leeds up the table]."
Born in Paris, Rutter made his breakthrough with Ligue 1 outfit Rennes, where he made his professional debut at the age of 18 in September 2020.
Three months later, the Frenchman scored his first senior goal, converting from the penalty spot in a 3-1 Champions League defeat against Sevilla.
Rutter made just five appearances in total for Rennes before moving to the Bundesliga with Hoffenheim on a permanent basis in February 2021.
👌 Signed. Sealed. Delivered. pic.twitter.com/PEqG38fQQ3
— Leeds United (@LUFC) January 14, 2023
The young forward established himself as a first-team regular for Die Kraichgauer in the 2021-22 campaign, contributing with eight goals and four assists in 33 Bundesliga appearances.
Across all competitions, Rutter recorded 11 goals and 11 assists in 64 appearances for Hoffenheim and leaves the club sitting 11th in the Bundesliga table.
Rutter's new club Leeds have confirmed that the forward is ineligible to play in Wednesday's FA Cup third-round replay against Cardiff City, but the Frenchman could make his debut when the Whites play host to Brentford in the Premier League next Sunday.
Leeds currently sit 14th in the Premier League table, just two points above the relegation zone with a game in hand on the six teams below them.
