Former Leeds United midfielder David Norris predicts with certainty that Crysencio Summerville will make his exit from Elland Road this summer.
Amid overwhelming Premier League interest in the Dutch player, interest surged following Leeds’ failure to secure promotion through the Championship playoffs [Phil Hay].
The club is facing a financial deadline by the end of this month to comply with the PSR ruling, according to the Daily Mail. Summerville is seen as the prime candidate for a lucrative sale that could help balance the financial books.
In an exclusive interview with MOT Leeds News, Norris expressed his belief that Summerville’s departure is inevitable for both the club and the player’s financial benefit. He also hinted at the prospect of acquiring a decent replacement or retaining existing players with the funds.
“Given the significant interest surrounding him, it appears highly likely that he will depart the club. With Leeds missing out on promotion, he may seek new horizons to test his potential. His impressive season would certainly command a substantial transfer fee,” Norris commented.
Although there is no urgency in Summerville’s exit, Leeds United faces the imperative of sorting their finances by 30th June, aided by their lucrative partnership with Red Bull.
Major shareholders 49ers Enterprises aim to bolster manager Daniel Farke’s squad for the upcoming season, aiming to improve upon last season’s near-miss despite accumulating a commendable 90 points.
European powerhouses like Liverpool and Chelsea are reportedly eyeing a transfer fee in the region of £30 million for the 22-year-old Summerville.
Norris highlights the potential silver lining of Summerville’s departure, suggesting it could empower Leeds to retain key players around whom they could reshape their squad. Speculation remains rife about Wilfried Gnonto staying at Elland Road despite strong outside interest in the Italian forward.
As Farke strives to hold onto his star players, the club’s executives must navigate the financial landscape carefully to maintain a stable balance sheet.