Surprise as Leeds United star pulls out of national team squad at last minute despite excelling against Millwall
Georginio Rutter was once again the highlight of Leeds United’s performance on Sunday, as they defeated Millwall 2-0. He was likely excited by the prospect of working with Thierry Henry in a partnership with the French U23 squad.
Despite picking up two assists during the whole ninety minutes of play, the forward had to leave his place in the national team’s lineup on Monday morning, indicating that something went wrong.
The French Football Federation made this announcement in a statement, stating that Ryan Cherki was called up by Henry as a result of the Leeds player and Montpellier’s Joris Chotard forfeiting their spots in the team.
Rutter is one of the several forwards that his boss has called up for France’s forthcoming matches against the United States and the Ivory Coast.
Henry may invite another person in addition to Cherki, however the FFF has said he is “giving himself time” to determine whether he needs to.
Rutter will be hurt by this, as he likely expected to take advantage of the international break to solidify his spot in the France U23 team’s lineup in advance of the Olympic Games in Paris this summer.
He has scored seven goals and assisted another eighteen in 40 games, so if he keeps up this pace through the conclusion of the season, he shouldn’t have too many problems.
In a related development:
Leeds decide “outstanding” player has played his last game for the club
This season, he has made 27 appearances in the Championship.
The 49ers Enterprises are planning their departure options for a number of players who have struggled to get playing time at Leeds United as they look ahead to the upcoming season.
Leeds braced for summer exits
As Leeds eye a potential return to the top flight, many of the players who have failed to make an impression in the Championship are set to be shown the door at Elland Road.
Another Leeds player who isn’t anticipated to stay after the transfer window opens is Sam Greenwood. The forward is under contract with Middlesbrough till the end of the season, and upon his return, it is expected that he will be sold.
Jack Harrison and Brennen Aaronson are expected to be the next to go, along with Greenwood and Poveda. Both men are also expected to be considering long-term exits. Right now, they are with Union Berlin and Everton, respectively.
A player who was previously expected to be a mainstay in the first team at Elland Road seems to be the next player to be declared surplus to requirements as Daniel Farke looks to restructure his roster in preparation for the upcoming campaign.
Drameh has played his last game for Leeds
According to Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke, Cody Drameh is reported to leave Elland Road this summer. Sources have told the outlet that the defender “is not set to receive a Leeds United contract extension and has played his last game for the club”.
Currently on loan at fellow second-tier outfit Birmingham City, O’Rourke states that the club would have the option to make his deal permanent. However, Leeds would be due a compensation fee owing to the Englishman’s age. The 22-year-old arrived in West Yorkshire following a £1million transfer from Fulham back in 2018.
Since coming to Elland Road, the fullback has struggled to cement a consistent place in Leeds’ plans only playing 10 times during his time with the club. Drameh has spent most of his career out on loan, with recent seasons seeing the defender impress for both Cardiff City and Luton Town.
Whilst the latter spell saw him play a key role in the Hatters’ promotion last season, his time at Cardiff also saw Drameh earn plaudits in the form of the Blue Birds’ Player of the Season award for the 2021/22 season.
“He appeared more fit and composed than he had in the opening two games of this campaign at home against Nottingham Forest.
“The game against Barnsley was awful. He had never seen anything like it before, and it was incredible how he entered the game with a few last-minute tackles.
“This evening? Oh well. It’s fortunate that they are unable to contact him again because he was excellent after that.”
This summer, Drameh might be signed by Birmingham or another EFL team, giving them access to a player who could develop into one of the league’s best full backs.
