According to The Athletic's renowned journalist David Ornstein, Brighton FC have officially activated the £40 million release clause in the contract of Leeds United striker Rutt. The decision leaves the 22-year-old French striker now facing an important decision: whether to stay at Leeds United or accept Brighton's offer to return to the Premier League.
Previously, Leeds United had rejected offers of £29 million and £35 million from Brighton, but Brighton did not give up on their pursuit of Rutte and eventually managed to activate Rutte's release clause on Wednesday. This move has undoubtedly pushed Rutte into the transfer limelight.
Rutt's contract with Leeds United wasn't due to expire until 2028, but now he needs to choose between staying in the team and moving on. Despite transfer rumors swirling ahead of Leeds United's League Cup tie with Middlesbrough, Rutte chose to play in the game and showed his professionalism and loyalty to the team by coming on as a second-half substitute.
Rüth joined Leeds United from Hoffenheim for €34 million in January 2023 and made 11 Premier League appearances for the team over the next half-season. However, Leeds United struggled in the second half of that season and were eventually relegated to the Championship. In last season's Championship, Rutte became an important part of the team, making 48 appearances, scoring 7 goals and dishing out 15 assists, which helped the team achieve good results in the league. However, Leeds United lost in the promotion play-off final and did not return to the Premier League.
For Brighton, they clearly see the potential and strength in Rutte and are willing to spend a lot of money to recruit him. For Rutte himself, this will be an important turning point in his career. He needs to seriously consider his future plans, whether to continue to challenge for the Championship at Leeds United, or to join Brighton to return to the Premier League to compete with a higher level of players and coaching staff.
