Rutter moves to the Premier League

"Transfers like Georginio Rutter's to TSG Hoffenheim are only possible because of transfers like Georginio Rutter's to Leeds United," is how TSG director of professional football Alexander Rosen sums up TSG's role in a nutshell. "But of course we regret the premature departure of this highly talented player, who is not only a great guy but also has the ability to provide spectacular moments on the pitch," said Rosen, adding: "In light of the third-highest transfer fee in the club's history, as well as the clearly communicated desire to move, it would not have made sense to block a young player like Georgi from the path he is pursuing. I'm sure I'm not the only one who will miss him.''

"Georginio is a good character and has enormous talent. No coach in the world likes to lose a player like him. But of course I wish him all the best for his future," says TSG head coach André Breitenreiter.

"For several years now, the chance to develop and make a name for yourself with us has ensured that we are always able to attract young, exciting players. Transfers like this, as painful as they may be at the moment, raise our profile and our attractiveness for top domestic and international talent. They like to come here, but they don't stay forever," said Alexander Rosen, who went on to evoke players from the TSG youth set-up who recently joined the first-team squad and travelled to the winter training camp in Portugal. "Players like Tom Bischof, Mo Damar, Fisnik Asllani and many more demonstrate our potential and represent the Hoffenheim way, which enables us time and again to integrate ambitious talents from our academy into the first team.''

Georginio Rutter joined TSG from French Ligue 1 side Stade Rennes on 1 February 2021 and netted on his Bundesliga debut, a 4-0 win over SV Werder Bremen. He made a total of 57 appearances in Germany's top tier, scoring eleven goals and notching up eight assists. The France U21 international made five cup appearances and played in two Europa League games for the club, but didn't score in either competition. He also made six appearances for TSG's Regionalliga team (two goals).