Leeds United Confirm 18th Senior Transfer Exit of the Summer Window in Eight-Figure Deal

Since May’s play-off final, Leeds United have seen eighteen senior players depart, with Crysencio Summerville being the latest to leave.

West Ham United are understood to have agreed on a deal exceeding £25m with Leeds, having triggered a release clause in the winger’s contract, which also includes add-ons.

This means Leeds have lost the standout player from last season’s Championship and a third key member of the squad that secured 90 points last season.

Summerville’s exit follows those of Archie Gray and Glen Kamara, creating additional gaps for Daniel Farke to address.

Jayden Bogle and Joe Rothwell have already joined to fill some of these gaps, but Gretar Steinsson, Nick Hammond, and Farke will need to focus on securing other attackers they have targeted.

Summerville’s departure was anticipated, especially after promotion hopes were dashed.

According to LeedsLive, the release clause in Summerville’s contract was triggered by the club’s relegation from the Premier League last year.

Due to a lack of significant senior experience, no clubs were willing to pay more than £25m for the youngster, so he stayed at Elland Road for the last season.

With Leeds failing to win promotion, Summerville’s release clause remained active, akin to the loan clauses that applied to Jack Harrison and Rasmus Kristensen’s deals. West Ham are the only club to have activated the clause, finalizing the deal on Wednesday and taking him to London for a medical.

West Ham’s interest in Summerville intensified during Leeds’ recent training camp in Germany. On the morning of their friendly against Schalke, the former Feyenoord youth player reported a hamstring issue, coinciding with Angus Kinnear receiving calls from the Hammers.

Summerville will be remembered for his significant role in Farke’s first season, contributing to 28 goals and supporting the team during challenging moments. His progress was notable compared to the criticism he faced during the club’s relegation campaign under Jesse Marsch.

In November 2022, Marsch remarked: “I talked after the game against Liverpool that a key factor for him is discipline, professionalism, and work ethic.

I’ve been monitoring him closely this week to ensure he has a strong training week. He has looked impressive, and we hope he can continue to develop.”

Marsch continued: “It’s about making sure he arrives early, works out in the gym, prepares for training correctly, pays attention to video sessions, and applies the lessons we want him to learn in practice.

Even when he played with the U21s, he performed well. He is a game player and loves the match.

The focus was on helping him understand the full process of being a top professional and ensuring his commitment.”

These comments were made in the first press conference after Summerville’s October 30 birthday. Marsch mentioned that Summerville had requested to return to the Netherlands for his celebrations, which Marsch had declined.

However, photos on the player’s Instagram revealed he had returned home, contrary to Marsch’s instructions.

Fans hope Leeds have already prepared for potential replacements and can secure a new signing promptly, ideally before the opener against Portsmouth next weekend.

In the interim, Daniel James, Wilfried Gnonto, Brenden Aaronson, and Georginio Rutter are the most likely options for Farke to use in the wide areas.