Leeds United may have received a significant boost in their efforts to retain Crysencio Summerville this summer.
The Dutch winger had been a target for Brighton & Hove Albion, with speculation that Leeds would not block his departure if an offer of around £40 million came through.
However, recent developments suggest that Brighton may no longer be pursuing the 22-year-old former Feyenoord player.
Brighton’s new manager, Fabian Hurzeler, has already secured Yankuba Minteh from Newcastle United for £33 million, potentially filling the role that could have been reserved for Summerville.
This shift in Brighton’s transfer strategy could effectively eliminate them from the competition for Summerville, leaving Leeds with a stronger position to keep the talented winger.
Previously, Liverpool and Chelsea had also shown interest in Summerville, who has scored 21 goals, but Brighton’s retreat could now mean less competition and better prospects for Leeds to negotiate favorable terms if a sale is considered.
Additionally, Leeds’ recent sale of Archie Gray to Tottenham for £40 million, which included Joe Rodon’s return to Elland Road, has eased the financial pressure on the club. This means Leeds is under no immediate obligation to sell other key players, potentially increasing Summerville’s price due to his critical role in the team.
With Summerville having two years left on his contract, this summer might be Leeds’ best opportunity to secure a substantial fee if they choose to sell.
However, Brighton’s withdrawal from the race is a major boost for Leeds and their manager Daniel Farke, who could still keep Summerville in the squad for the upcoming season.