Crysencio Summerville’s departure puts Leeds United’s transfer department under immediate scrutiny until the club announces a replacement for the Dutchman, and Wolves may have a solution.
Summerville is the club’s eighth summer sale, having signed for West Ham for an initial fee of £25 million plus add-ons that could push the deal above £30 million. He has signed a five-year contract till June 2029.
With Jaidon Anthony returning to Bournemouth and Ian Poveda departing on a free transfer to Sunderland, the Whites have only Wilfried Gnonto and Dan James as obvious possibilities on Daniel Farke’s wings.
Brenden Aaronson and Georginio Rutter have both returned and can play there. However, the duo are better suited to the 10 role, and Leeds must find a replacement for Summerville before the summer window closes.
Wolves may have the ideal option for Leeds in winger.
Summerville was known for his low center of gravity, ability to confuse defenders, vision, and goal-scoring ability – particularly with his right foot. Leeds should sign a player comparable to that.
Norwich’s Jonathan Rowe has been linked, however he is not the same player as Summerville. According to reporter Ben Jacobs, Wolves are looking to transfer 28-year-old winger Daniel Podence for just £8.6 million.
“The Wolves have yet to receive an offer for Podence, who is available for €10 million. Olympiacos has not contacted us. Understandably, Podence is considering a relocation to Saudi Arabia. Al-Ettifaq considered him 12 months ago, but had no plans to make an offer.”
The “brilliant” winger, like Summerville, is diminutive in stature but has the ability to get past opponents. He can play on both flanks or as a 10, and he scored 28 goals while on loan at Olympiakos last season.
Podence would be an ambitious move, but an incredible signing.
The prospects of Podence agreeing to play in The Championship are slim, but the former Portugal great needs a move, and as Jacobs reports, there are currently no offers on the table for Podence.
Leeds can certainly afford his transfer cost, but the only issue if Leeds approached Wolves about signing the winger would be his salary. In addition, Podence is interested in moving to Saudi Arabia this summer.
Podence is readily available, reasonably priced, and would make an excellent Summerville alternative. It remains to be seen whether Leeds are interested in signing him, as his contract expires in 2025.
