After being linked with a move away from Elland Road this summer, Leeds United journalist Phil Hay has revealed that top European teams still ‘like’
.
The Whites signed the 21-year-old for £35 million in January, and while he struggled in his first six months at the club, he is now showing glimpses of potential in the Championship.
When Rutter initially arrived at Leeds, he was expected to become a superstar. He only appeared in 11 Premier League games last season, recording one assist.
This season has begun brilliantly for the Frenchman. So far in the Championship, he has two goals and one assist in five games.
Leeds manager Daniel Farke believes Rutter can succeed at Leeds. “Although he had a difficult start to life at this club, he sensed there was more in it, wanted to prove his worth and pay something back and show I am a top-class player,” Farke said in a recent interview.
“If he works hard on the training pitch and in games and shows such a commitment, such a work ethic, he’s on the right track, but not just him, but all the other players.”
Despite this, Farke faces the possibility of losing Rutter in January, which will no likely worry the manager.
Hay: ‘Bigger’ clubs remain ‘fancy’ Rutter
According to Hay, several large European teams still ‘fancy’ signing Rutter and could make a move for him when the transfer window reopens.
Lyon and Borussia Dortmund are reportedly interested in the forward, who has two goals in his past three outings.
As previously stated, Rutter was linked with a transfer away from Leeds this summer when his former club Hoffenheim came calling. Other clubs have shown a lot of interest as well.
Hay has stated that despite the interest in his signature, the young striker is determined to prove himself with Leeds this season, which will be welcome news to the Elland Road supporters.
“The criticism of [signing Rutter] wasn’t so much about him as it was about what he contributed in that second half of the season from the end of the transfer window onwards,” Hay explained to The Square Ball Podcast.
“I don’t believe that is the same as saying Rutter isn’t a good or talented player.” There are bigger clubs in Europe who would have taken him and are interested in him.”
Keeping this in mind, it will be interesting to watch whether any club makes a serious approach for Rutter in January. For the time being, the striker will concentrate on scoring goals in the Championship and assisting Leeds in gaining promotion.
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