The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 2nd August) - Rutter's Loan Dilemma
Good Morning. It's Wednesday 2nd August, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Rutter's Loan Dilemma
German Sports media outlet 'Kicker' have claimed that Georginio Rutter has an agreement with Victor Orta allowing him to go out on loan, if relegated, as long as his wages were covered in full. But there is a snag - it was a verbal agreement!
In all the haste to get the deal over the line, the finer details of the paperwork were forgotten about, and who can blame them? Rutter was about to Quintuple his salary (from £15k a week to somewhere between £70k - £90k), and become a Premier League star!
Seven months on (and a lot richer), the 21yo finds himself in the Championship, with his salary slashed in half. We've seen some nice touches from him in pre-season, but, in truth Summerville (should he stay) is far ahead of him in the pecking order, and we can't forget about Dan James either, who offers pace down the right flank.
The early signs of Rutter being able to operate as a centre-forward don't look good, and as such, would it be better if he was sent out on loan to gain more experience?
Could Manchester Utd youngster replace Firpo
Leeds may be lining up a bid for highly rated defender Brandon Williams, according to the Independent.
The versatile full-back, 22, currently applies his trade at Old Trafford, where he has been since the tender age of eight. He briefly worked under Farke whilst on loan at Norwich during their 21/22 campaign, which obviously didn't end well.
Leeds are keen to find a ready made replacement for Junior Firpo, whose days at Elland Road could be numbered, if recent media speculation is to be believed. Unfortunately, the former Barca No 3 is carrying a knock which has kept him sidelined throughout pre-season.
Brighton were heavily linked with a £15m move for Williams last Summer, but nothing materialised in the end. He caused a stir on social media back in 2020, when he was accused of contacting a 15yo girl, an accusation he vehemently denied.
Cooper set to maintain Captaincy
Leeds stalwart Liam Cooper looks set to maintain the Captaincy at Leeds Utd, after impressing Daniel Farke during pre-season. The Scottish International, who turns 32 later this month, will have spent a decade at Elland Road, come May. It was rumoured that he would be surplus to requirements following relegation to the Championship, but like he has always done, has fought back against his critics. Max Wober originally was given the Captains armband at the beginning of pre-season against Manchester Utd, before turning his back on the Whites.