Leeds United have taken a big risk with the signing of striker Georginio Rutter.
That’s according to the club’s former goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who has questioned whether the 20-year-old can score enough goals to keep the Elland Road club in the Premier League this season.
After several days of waiting, Leeds got their much needed attacking addition on Saturday, as they announced the signing of Rutter on a six-and-a-half-year deal from Hoffenheim.
The French youth international has joined Jesse Marsch’s side for a club record fee, reported to be worth around £36million.
Prior to his move to Leeds, Rutter had scored 11 goals in 64 appearances in all competitions for Hoffenheim, after signing from Rennes in February 2021.
Now however, it seems that the forward’s goalscoring record, is causing something of a concern for Robinson, as he assesses Leeds’ chances of survival this season.
Speaking to MOT Leeds News about his thoughts on this signing of Rutter, the former England international said: “I’m not convinced by it.
“His goal-to-game numbers don’t stack up. He doesn’t seem to be an out-and-out number nine and looks a similar player to Rodrigo except he’s young.
“Leeds have paid a record fee for him so you’d like to think that the lad has potential. But as far as hitting the ground running is concerned, it’s a little bit of a ‘hope it works’.
“He’s scored 11 goals in 57 Bundesliga games. As an out-and-out number nine, that doesn’t ring true.
“As far as convincing the fans with signing a number nine that works straight away, my initial thoughts are it probably isn’t going to work. But you have to give him an opportunity to see if it works.
“Players in the past like Raphinha are a perfect example. Before he came in, you weren’t sure what the situation was with him. And then he turned out to be one of the best players Leeds have signed for years.
“With Rutter, it’s the same. He’s not an out-and-out striker, he’s not got a good goalscoring record and he’s a very young player with huge potential.
“Is he going to hit the ground running? It’s a massive gamble.”
You can understand the concern that Robinson may have about this deal here.
Ultimately, the thing it felt like Leeds were missing most in attack going into this transfer window, was a regular source of goals from one player.
However, as Robinson has alluded to with these comments, Rutter’s record for Hoffenheim suggests he is not currently someone who may be able to provide that.
Even so, the fact Leeds were willing to pay so much for him shows the confidence they have in the 20-year-old, so you do feel he needs to be given the time to live up to that price tag, something his contract length gives him the time to do.