Since Leeds was demoted to the Championship and Farke took over, Rutter, 21, has greatly improved.
In just 13 Championship games, the French striker has netted just two goals, but he has also contributed five assists and received high praise for his role in build-up play.
Given how wonderfully Rutter is playing for the Whites right now, Farke has even joked that Real Madrid would want to pay £150 million for him.
“There’s always space for improvement,” Farke said, as quoted by The Athletic (29 October).
“He’s a young player and if he would be perfect in all areas, we would have to accept that Real Madrid would buy him for £150million.
“Thank God it’s not the case and he can grow and develop. But his potential is outstanding. He can be some player, one day.”
Is he joking, though?
Given Farke’s high regard for his players, we wouldn’t be shocked if there was any truth to the statement regarding Rutter, £150 million, and Real Madrid.
The notion that Borussia Dortmund will attempt to sign the former Hoffenheim forward in the summer was mocked by many.
On August 29, Sky Sports revealed that Dortmund had made a £25 million approach for the 21-year-old during the previous transfer window, and Lyon, a team in Ligue 1, was also considering buying him.
After a dismal half-season under Jesse Marsch, Javi Gracia, and Sam Allardyce following his signing by Victor Orta from Hoffenheim in January, it was difficult to accept the rumors.
But in the end, it’s understandable why he struggled—after all, he was a young player signed by a bad football director to play for a useless manager with teammates who were also useless.
It was a set up to fail for him.
Yes, he’s playing well in the Championship, but that’s not the same as playing brilliantly in the Premier League against Huddersfield, QPR, and Norwich.
However, Rutter is still only 21 and is progressing nicely; if he continues to improve at the same rate as inflation rises (which it will, very fast), Real Madrid need to be considering him.
In similar vein,