It seems like bad news for the Elland Road team.
Leeds United have received disappointing news regarding key player Crysencio Summerville as the transfer window intensifies ahead of the upcoming season.
Summerville is one of several players likely to depart. Following their failure to secure promotion from the Championship last season, Daniel Farke’s team could undergo significant changes by the start of the new season. A defeat to Southampton sealed another year in England’s second tier for Leeds, exacerbating their financial challenges.
According to The Daily Mail, the club faces the daunting task of raising nearly £100 million through player sales. Up to 10 players could be sold, with replacements limited to free transfers and loans, as Leeds navigate financial fair play regulations amid substantial outstanding transfer payments amounting to nearly £75 million this summer.
Speculation swirls around the potential departures from the club ahead of the upcoming season, with reports suggesting Wilfried Gnonto, Archie Gray, and Georginio Rutter are all likely to leave Elland Road. However, one player who appears certain to depart is Crysencio Summerville, the Championship player of the year.
Despite having two years remaining on his £15,000 per week contract at Elland Road, there is strong anticipation that the Dutchman will depart amidst interest from various Premier League clubs and European teams. This move could potentially earn Leeds United a substantial transfer fee. Additionally, a new contender has emerged in the bidding war for his services.
According to Romano, they have initiated contact with Leeds to commence discussions aimed at exploring a move for the 22-year-old. However, Romano notes that completing the deal will be challenging.
A potential obstacle could be the asking price set by Leeds. Brighton’s highest transfer fee to date has been under £30 million, notably for Joao Pedro from Watford a year ago, which totaled £29 million. However, securing Summerville would likely necessitate surpassing that record, as recent estimates place his valuation between £35 million and £40 million. Other interested clubs are reportedly willing to meet this valuation to solidify their interest in acquiring him.
| Brighton record signings | |
| Player | Fee |
| Joao Pedro | £29m |
| Moises Caicedo | £24m |
| Carlos Baleba | £23m |
| Enock Mwepu | £19.5m |
| Alireza Jahanbakhsh | £19m |
Another consideration could be Summerville’s own aspirations. Clubs like Liverpool and Chelsea, who have shown early interest in the Dutchman, can provide European football next season, which may appeal to him.
Leeds would likely want to avoid selling him below market value, as that would be their worst-case scenario. Brighton’s stance on potentially undervaluing the player adds another layer of complexity ahead of the new season.