Leeds United’s club record signing of Georginio Rutter in January 2023 might have been a big overspend at the time, but it worked out well with the club managing to make a profit through Brighton’s purchase.
At the start of the season, Georginio Rutter started as he meant to go on with an assist on matchday one for Leeds, only to leave the club when Brighton triggered his £40million release clause.
He’s enjoyed his time at the AMEX so far, seeing his obvious talents platformed in a much better way than they were when he first joined Leeds in the Premier League for a club record £36million deal.
Dodgy agent dealings uncovered in Georginio Rutter’s move to Leeds United from Hoffenheim
A new report from German outlet Kicker (via Get Football News Germany) has done some digging into the previous transfers of Rutter to TSG Hoffenheim in 2021 and from the Bundesliga club in 2023.
The Frenchman’s agent Roger Wittmann is the man in question behind the controversial dealings, through his relationship with club patron and previous owner Dietmar Hopp.
It is claimed that Rutter’s move from Rennes to TSG was specifically aimed to bring a solid earning Wittmann’s way, who came in for a sum reported to be in the region of £3.2million when the German side themselves only paid £630,000 for the striker.
Where Leeds are concerned, the Kicker report continues to detail Wittmann’s influence on the matter, as the agent banked £1.26million from that January transfer to Elland Road – the overall £36million sum appeared to catch TSG by surprise by the sheer size of it.
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Suspicion arises in this part of Rutter’s transfers due to the fact that Wittmann earned himself such money through an appointment made by Rutter himself to help conclude the deal, while TSG themselves didn’t bring in any intermediaries, therefore paying out for an intermediary they had no say in.
Leeds United’s agent fee expenditure makes Rutter insight stand to reason
Very recently, it was confirmed that Leeds had spent the ninth-most in England on agent fees between February 2024 and February 2025 – a staggering £18.8million.
That sum comes as a backlog of fees from the club paid out to the sizeable transfers made by the previous regime, likely including this Rutter deal.
It stands to reason that our massive agent fees are contributed to by Wittmann and Hoffenheim’s agreement to see the Frenchman join the Whites.
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Kris Smith has been a dedicated LeedsAllOver writer and editor since the summer of 2020, stepping into the role just as Leeds United earned promotion to the Premier League under the legendary Marcelo Bielsa. Over the years, he has remained a constant voice at the heart of the club’s coverage, providing fans with breaking news, in-depth match analysis, transfer updates, and insightful commentary on the biggest talking points surrounding Elland Road.
What helps set Kris apart is also his deep personal connection to Leeds United. A season ticket holder in the South Stand for over a decade, he has experienced the full rollercoaster of emotions – from the highs of promotion and thrilling BielsaBall to the challenges of relegation scraps, ownership challenges and every chaotic day the club has to offer. This first-hand perspective allows him to blend analytical nous with the passion of a lifelong supporter, offering a unique and authentic voice in his coverage.
Whether dissecting tactical decisions, assessing player performances, or weighing in on any off-field developments, Kris approaches each topic with well-informed opinions shaped by years of matchday experiences. He isn’t afraid to voice strong viewpoints, whether positive or negative, ensuring his work resonates with fellow fans who value honest, engaged journalism.
Beyond just reporting, Kris has looked to gain strong rapport with the Leeds United community, contributing to the broader conversation with a mix of statistical insight and fan-driven sentiment. His commitment to covering the club through every high and low looks to see him solidify as a voice supporters can trust, who crave substance, credibility, and a genuine connection to the team they love.
