Leeds United will demand £45 million to tempt them into selling Crysencio Summerville this summer, with European giants AC Milan the latest team to join the race, according to Football Transfers.
The 22-year-old has come into his own this season, scoring 18 goals in all competitions as Daniel Farke’s side target an immediate return to the Premier League. He has been pivotal to their rise up the table since the turn of the calendar year, putting them in contention for the Championship title with just five games remaining.
It’s been a remarkable rise for the Netherlands under-21 international. Signed for just £1.3 million from Feyenoord in 2020, he had to wait patiently for a first team spot, making his debut a year later. He featured more regularly last season as Leeds were relegated, scoring in four consecutive games in late 2022.
This season has been his breakout campaign though, catching the eye of a number of top tier clubs. It was reported yesterday that the Whites would resist any approaches for the winger, with Liverpool, Chelsea and West Ham United all interested. Alongside teammate Archie Gray, the Whites are hoping to put an end to any speculation by tying the pair down to improved contracts.
Football Transfers claim that is still the case, but even if he commits to a new deal, he could still depart Elland Road this summer. They state that Kylian Mbappe’s expected move to Real Madrid will spark a merry-go-round of transfer activity, with Paris Saint-Germain then looking to recruit Rafael Leão from AC Milan.
As such, the seven-time European champions have placed Summerville on their shortlist to replace the Portuguese international. However, Leeds have slapped a £45 million price tag on the attacker’s head, although the fee could change depending on the number of offers received.
Saturday’s defeat at Coventry City has seen the Yorkshire outfit slip to third, with Leicester City returning to the top of the table. The Foxes also have a game in hand, although the Whites will be looking at keeping the pressure on when they host Sunderland tomorrow night.
Writer’s View
There’s a lot of noise coming out regarding the future of Summerville. It’s unlikely to all be paper talk, meaning that contract negotiations could gather pace in the coming weeks.
With so many clubs watching the situation develop, Leeds will be keen to get a new deal signed to protect the winger’s value. It’s fine taking a public ‘not for sale’ stance, but every player has their price, and it looks as if the bar has been set. Whether anyone is willing to pay that kind of money remains to be seen, although this is one that will keep ticking all throughout the summer.
Head of Writing