If Leeds United isn’t promoted to the Premier League, it may need to sell a number of players. Liverpool is interested in Crysencio Summerville, the star player.
Even though Jürgen Klopp will be leaving Liverpool this weekend, attention is already turning to the upcoming campaign and the summer transfer market. However, the Reds could already have to let go of one rumored target.
The Athletic claims that Liverpool has prioritized adding a wide attacker before the end of the current campaign. Arne Slot, the new manager, is well-known for placing a high value on his wingers and for setting up his teams to isolate them against defenders one-on-one.
Currently, the only real all-around wingers in the Liverpool team are Mohamed Salah and Luis Díaz, both of whom have questionable futures at Anfield.
Salah’s contract expires in a year, and Saudi Pro League teams will probably pursue him once more this summer. Barcelona is reportedly interested in Díaz, and Liverpool is expected to ask for about $95 million (£75 million/€87 million) for the Colombian.
The star player from Leeds, Crysencio Summerville, who was been named Player of the Year in the Championship, has been linked to a move to Anfield. Leeds moved up to third in the standings and guaranteed a spot in the play-offs thanks to his goals.
This week, The Daily Mail revealed that Liverpool, along with Newcastle, Chelsea, and Aston Villa, has been keeping a close eye on the 22-year-old. In the end, Leeds’ ability to hold onto the Dutchman will depend on whether it is promoted back to the Premier League.
It is said that Leeds would face severe financial repercussions and risk breaking spending regulations if they were unable to clinch a return to the top division.
A ‘fire sale’ of players would apparently need to raise an astounding $127 million (£100 million/€117 million), with Summerville being considered the most valuable commodity at $38 million (£30 million/€35 million).
Leeds earned a trip to Wembley for the play-off final on Thursday night, and he demonstrated just why those teams are eager to have him.
Leeds defeated Norwich 4-0 at Elland Road thanks to a goal by Summerville, his 21st goal of the year. Daniel Farke’s team will now be the favorites to defeat Southampton or West Brom and secure a spot in the Premier League.
While Summerville might eventually look to move away, promotion would allay those financial worries and allow Leeds to demand a better price for the winger. Furthermore, Liverpool is unlikely to pay much more than his present valuation.
Summerville has destroyed the Championship, but despite Leeds’ relegation last season, he frequently battled for consistency in the top tier. In 28 games, he managed just four goals, although one of those came in an unexpected victory at Anfield.
With at least one addition, Liverpool is expected to try to satisfy Slot’s apparent ‘obsession’ with wingers, but they will also be looking for someone who can immediately make an impact in both the Premier League and the Champions League. Summerville may not be prepared to take that step up at this time, in which case other options would be taken into account.
Having said that, if Slot wants to bolster his forward line, he would be a great addition to the club at a fair price. Liverpool fans will undoubtedly be watching what transpires at Wembley the following weekend.