Crysencio Summerville’s name has been a regular feature in this month’s gossip columns following Leeds United’s relegation from the Premier League. The Whites winger has been linked with a host of clubs both in the Premier League and on the continent and it seems he could be part of the exodus that is expected at Elland Road this summer.
Borussia Dortmund are perhaps the most high profile team credited with interest in Summerville, but Aston Villa, PSV Eindhoven and RB Leipzig have also been mentioned previously and fresh reports suggest Feyenoord could be in the mix. Summerville started his career at Feyenoord and the Dutch club have reportedly reached out to the winger, with head coach Arne Slot making contact, according to 1908.NL.
It’s not hard to understand why the 21-year-old is attracting some of the biggest clubs in Europe this summer, either. Summerville might not have been able to prevent the Whites from losing their top flight status, but he showed regular glimpses of his talent in what will go down as a fine breakthrough season individually at Elland Road.
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He scored four goals in 28 Premier League appearances for Leeds, including consecutive late winners against Liverpool and Bournemouth, as he established himself within the first-team squad. Consistency may have been hard to come by at times, but considering his age, it was always going to be as Leeds found themselves scrapping desperately for survival at the wrong end of the Premier League.
Interest, then, was always likely, but Leeds should be doing everything in their power to keep hold of Summerville’s services as they plot what they hope will be a promotion-winning Championship campaign. The winger showed heaps of promise in the Premier League, but in the second tier he could be considered to be an exceptional talent.
He could be the driving force Leeds need on the right wing with his pace and trickery being enough to terrify opponents in an attack minded and creative outfit. As a young player, Summerville has always valued the importance of game time.
He pushed hard to seal a loan move to Hamburg in January 2022 when it was clear he would struggle to get the first-team minutes he craved under Marcelo Bielsa but never left. He then penned a new deal with Leeds last summer after being given assurances by Jesse Marsch that he will be part of his plans.
The club’s relegation from the Premier League opens the door for him to not only claim a regular spot in the Leeds side next season, but kick on and make a name for himself by helping the Whites back towards the top flight at the first time of asking. Perhaps there are more glamorous options for him this summer.
All of the above linked clubs will be competing in Europe next season at various levels and some will be expected to challenge for major honours. Summerville has never been short of confidence and should such an opportunity arise, he would back himself to make the most of it, despite the competition.
However, when it comes to career progression, the assurances that would come with an Elland Road stay might just make Leeds United his best bet.
