Leeds can secure ideal Summerville replacement for £10m, with 19 Championship goals last season – opinion
Summerville, 22, is set to finalize a £25m move to West Ham United. The deal includes add-ons that could reach £9m if he meets specific performance-related milestones and earns a Netherlands cap.
Summerville’s departure is not the only loss for Leeds in the winger department this summer. Ian Poveda, who was on loan during the second half of the 2023-24 season, has left Elland Road on a free transfer to join Sunderland.
Jaidon Anthony, a key squad member from the bench, has returned to Bournemouth after his loan.
This leaves Leeds with only Wilfried Gnonto and Dan James, with just nine days until the season opener.
Leeds face a lack of depth out wide, as Gnonto is being linked with a move to Parma and Genoa, while Dan James missed the win over Schalke due to injury.
Although James is expected to be fit for Portsmouth, the situation highlights the need for reinforcements. Brenden Aaronson can play out wide but is best suited as a number 10.
Thus, Leeds should use the funds from Summerville’s sale to sign a couple of wingers. One ideal option is available for a bargain £10m fee.
Last season, Plymouth Argyle’s Morgan Whittaker played a crucial role in keeping Argyle in the second tier, scoring 19 Championship goals. Football Scotland reports that the “fantastic” winger is available for just £10m.
Whittaker was the subject of interest from Serie A side Lazio in January, but no deal materialized.
Now, Scottish giants Rangers are keen to sign him and have made two bids, both of which have been rejected by Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth.
The report indicates that Plymouth is holding out for a £10m fee, which is considered a bargain given Whittaker’s 19 goals and eight assists last season.
Most of Whittaker’s goals came from the right wing, but his quality and the versatility of the Leeds attackers make him a fitting replacement for Summerville. At just £10m, Whittaker would be an excellent addition to Leeds’ squad.
