Crysencio Summerville’s exit has underlined Leeds United’s current lack of options out wide, as well as the problem of replacing his goals and assists.
The 22-year-old completed a £25 million move to West Ham, with the price potentially exceeding £30 million if Summerville achieves certain performance-related add-ons and earns his first cap for the Netherlands in due course.
His move comes after winning the Championship’s Player of the Season title, following a season in which he scored 21 goals and assisted on another 10. Summerville was a game changer for Leeds last season.
Leeds now lack options out wide after Ian Poveda and Jaidon Anthony left. But Daniel Farke’s team is suddenly missing that touch of magic on the left, a guy who can win games by the scruff of the neck.
Leeds need a major signing, and his name is Jack Clarke.
Leeds fans immediately responded to Summerville’s departure on social media, urging the 49ers to use the money they got for Summerville to fund a move for Sunderland left winger Jack Clarke.
Of course, this transfer would bring the Thorp Arch academy product back to Elland Road, five years after being sold to Tottenham. “Phenomenal” Clarke has been a standout for Sunderland, scoring 14 goals last season.
With Summerville in the Premier League, Clarke is perhaps the best left winger in the Championship. If Leeds sign Summerville, they will replace his influence and significantly strengthen their second promotion push.
Clarke would not be a cheap acquisition for Sunderland stubborn.
Quality does not come cheap, especially proven Championship quality, as Regis Le Bris’ team sold to a rival in this concept. Leeds paid £25 million for Summerville, and Clarke’s fee is now public knowledge.
Sunderland on SI claims that interested teams will have to pay the same £25 million fee for Clarke. They further claim that the Black Cats are adamant about keeping the former Leeds and Tottenham player.
So Clarke is the best replacement for Summerville at this level, and his presence immediately confirms a push to return to the top. However, signing Clarke would result in Leeds losing all of the money made from the sale of Summerville.
