Luke Ayling has sent his best wishes to Georginio Rutter after his move from Leeds United to Brighton was made official on Monday.
Rutter, 22, has joined the Premier League club after Brighton triggered a £40million release clause in the French forward’s contract at Elland Road [BBC Sport].
Middlesbrough right-back Ayling, who officially left Leeds this summer when his contract expired, sent a lovely message to Rutter after he bowed out of the West Yorkshire club.
“All the best to you my friend. Keep that smile on your face and go smash it brother,” said Ayling on Rutter’s Instagram post (19 August).
Georginio Rutter joins growing list of Leeds United exits
From the Leeds United squad of last season, Rutter, Crysencio Summerville, Glen Kamara, Charlie Cresswell, Kristoffer Klaesson, Archie Gray, Jamie Shackleton, Luke Ayling and Liam Cooper have left Leeds.
On top of that, Rarmsus Kristensen, Sam Greenwood and Jack Harrison have been loaned out again.
And, on top of that, Cody Drameh, Robin Koch, Ian Poveda, Marc Roca and Diego Llorente have also been sold or released after loan spells away from Elland Road.
It’s incredible how much money Leeds have freed up this summer when their only signings have been Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon and Alex Cairns while Joe Rothwell has joined on loan.
There are still 10 days to go before the summer transfer window closes and there are bound to be deals done by Daniel Farke and Gretar Steinsson and co.
But you can understand the frustration at this point, especially after seeing the side fail to win any of their three opening fixtures of the new season.