Crysencio Summerville's Leeds United future: Graham Smyth update, 'contact', new price tag & player view

The summer transfer window has only been open for a few days and speculation over the future of Crysencio Summerville is intensifying already. The Dutchman’s outstanding breakthrough campaign saw him register 21 goals and 10 assists in 49 games, enough to earn the Championship’s Player of the Season award and catch the eye of Europe’s elite.

Failure to achieve promotion has left Leeds needing to raise funds through player sales and while a Peter Ridsdale-era fire sale is not expected, at least one star player will likely depart. With the ever-growing list of admirers and obvious route to major profit, Summerville stands out as the likely exit and the YEP has taken a look at some of the most recent developments regarding his future.

Leeds stance

Those in charge at Elland Road believe Leeds are well-positioned to ensure they are in the driving seat regarding Summerville’s potential exit. The Yorkshire Evening Post understands that Red Bull’s recent investment has provided a much-needed cash injection, easing the need for any quick-fire sale.

Red Bull were announced as minority shareholders and front-of-shirt sponsors at the end of May, providing a significant boost for the club’s finances. That, coupled with growing interest from several Premier League clubs, has given club chiefs confidence they can secure a major profit in the £1.5million paid to Feyenoord back in 2020.

‘Contact’ made

Brighton look to have emerged as front-runners in the race for Summerville after ‘making contact’ over a potential deal. Fabrizio Romano reports that the Seagulls ‘have started initial talks’ in a bid to beat several financially superior Premier League rivals.

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Summerville has long been on the radar of Liverpool and Chelsea but Brighton believe they can offer a clear pathway to regular first-team football with a progressive side. Having just lost manager Roberto De Zerbi, they have appointed 31-year-old Fabian Hurzeler as their new head coach and hope to challenge for European football again next season.

Price-tag set

Liverpool and Chelsea ‘are set’ to table bids for Summerville in the near future, with Leeds valuing the winger around £35million. Leeds Live reports that the Premier League pair are weighing up offers and a deal for Summerville could kick off a domino effect further into the transfer window.

Both Liverpool and Chelsea, as well as Newcastle United, have prioritised reinforcements out wide but even if they move away from Summerville, their actions could force his exit. All three are also keen on Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise, with those in charge at Selhurst Park thought to be keen on Leeds’ Dutch winger as a potential successor.

Summerville’s stance

While an exit this summer is looking increasingly likely, recent reports suggest Summerville will not force his way out of Elland Road. TEAMtalk reports that the 22-year-old is happy as a key player with Leeds and will not agitate to move on, owing to his relationship with supporters.

That is not to say an exit is less likely, however, with Leeds accepting of the fact Summerville would bring in the highest fee of anyone in the squad. The report also names Brighton as an emerging one to watch regarding interest in the tricky winger.