Leeds United target Georginio Rutter has said his "dream" is to follow in the footsteps of Joelinton and Roberto Firmino in the Premier League.
According to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, a deal to sign Rutter is close to being finalised and the France U21 international could soon arrive in Leeds to complete his medical.
Rutter is reportedly open to the move, which is expected to cost Leeds between €30-40million. Hoffenheim would've liked to keep him longer but cannot refuse Leeds' offer.
READ MORE: Leeds United face Arsenal challenge as coach sees 'movement in the right direction'
In an interview with Scouted Football in May 2022, Rutter revealed his determination to emulate former Hoffenheim stars Joelinton and Firmino by starring in the Premier League.
“It makes us young players dream [watching Joelinton and Firmino's success], it does,” Rutter revealed. “I still have a lot of work ahead of me here, though.”
Firmino registered 49 goals and 36 assists in 153 appearances during a memorable four-and-a-half-year spell in Sinsheim. After leaving Hoffenheim for Liverpool in 2015, the Brazilian international has won seven trophies, including the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
“He [Firmino] wrote the history of Hoffenheim and I love his creativity," Rutter added.
"I can play with my back to goal when needed [to help the team push up], but I also like to drift out wide and attack spaces as a winger. I’m a mix of all that.”
Joelinton's Premier League journey has been a little more turbulent than that of Firmino. The Brazilian struggled to adapt to English football after completing a big money move to Newcastle from Hoffenheim in 2019. But after two difficult seasons on Tyneside, his transformation from a run-of-the-mill forward to a combative central midfielder has been remarkable.
Rutter could face the same challenges if he joins Leeds this month, but adapting to new situations is something that the Frenchman is already very familiar with.
“Honestly, Germany was a nice surprise,” he said. “I settled well and everybody is so kind to me. Now I really want to discover the whole country, to visit places.
"And on top of that, Germans taught me to be more rigorous with a lot of things because it’s rooted in mentalities here.”
READ NEXT:
Goalscorer claims Cardiff City ‘deserved’ to win and there is ‘no reason’ to fear Leeds United
Wober already adoring Leeds United support and has a Berardi moment among bits you missed
'Got away with one' - National media verdict on Leeds United's FA Cup comeback at Cardiff City
When will Leeds United's FA Cup third round replay against Cardiff City be played?
Joel Robles hailed by Leeds United teammates following Cardiff City draw
