A total of 21 players have played for both Leeds United and Brighton. Among those Georginio Rutter is the latest one to make the switch.
Rutter recently has made his feelings for Leeds fans public. He also paid a unique tribute to both the clubs as he set for a reunion this afternoon.
Having spent a year and a half at Elland Road, he made his way to the Seagulls in 2024.
Played for both Leeds United and Brighton
Apart from the Frenchman, there are other names including some big ones who have plied their trade up north and down south. But who are those names? Let’s find out.
James Milner – Leeds United to Brighton
The 39-year old began his career at Leeds. Having come up through the academy system, he spent two seasons with the senior team. The Whites were forced to sell him after their relegation from the Premier League in 2004.
Although the player was not happy to leave his boyhood club, he did what was in the ‘club’s best interest’. After spells at Newcastle and Aston Villa, he made it big with trophy laden years at Manchester City and then Liverpool.
The multi-time Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup winner joined Brighton in 2023 and is poised to probably end his career at the club.
Liam Bridcutt – Brighton to Leeds United
Liam Bridcutt began playing at Chelsea’s academy, but limited game time meant he had to leave. Joining Brighton in 2010, he spent four seasons at the club till 2014.
Helping them to promotion from League One to the Championship in his very first year, he went to play in 132 games for the Seagulls.
Initially arriving on loan in 2015, he joined permanently the following season. The defensive midfielder was appointed team captain but injury cost him his place in the team. He left in 2017, bouncing from club to club before retiring in 2024.
Sam Vokes – Leeds United to Brighton
Before making a name for himself at Burnley, Vokes had several loan spells across divisions. Two of those spells were spent with the Whites and the Seagulls.
Arriving at Leeds in October 2009, his spell lasted just eight games. With other striking options available, he had to leave with a short stay.
His Brighton spell though last longer. From January 2012 till the end of season Vokes made 14 appearances for the club.
Bradley Johnson – Leeds United to Bridgton
The Arsenal academy man was playing in the lower leagues before joining Leeds on a three-and-a-half-year deal for £250,000.
The midfielder failed to get a first team place at the club. Manager Gary McAllister didn’t find any use for him and was sent out on loan in 2009 to rivals Brighton till the end of the season.
Scoring five times in 10 appearances for the Seagulls, new Whites manager Simon Grayson recalled the striker to his parent club. He stayed on till the end of 2011, with Johnson helping the club to gain promotion to the Championship in 2010.
Chris Wood – Brighton to Leeds United
The New Zealander arrived in England in 2008. Despite West Bromwich Albion being in the Premier League, the striker failed to find much game time.
He was sent out on a several loan spells including a successful one to then League One’s Brighton. In 29 appearances he scored eight league goals, as the Seagulls earned promotion to the Championship.
After helping Leicester gain promotion to the Premier League, he arrived at Elland Road in 2015. He quickly became a fan favourite as the goals flowed. 44 goals in 88 appearances in the Championship attracted Premier League sides and he never looked back.
He well respected forward, Wood currently plays for league rivals Nottingham Forest.
The list goes on with 15 more names, details of which can be found here.
