Daniel Farke believes that after losing Crysencio Summerville, Leeds United will need three new signings to compete for promotion, according to The Athletic.
According to Nancy Froston of the outlet’s website on August 5, the Whites intend to sign a replacement winger, a full-back, and a midfielder after the Dutchman joined West Ham for a fee “in excess of £25 million plus add-ons” due to a clause in his contract that had been active since last summer.
The manager believes that the triple addition will provide him with the depth he needs to compete for a spot in the Premier League again.
Norwich City’s Jonathan Rowe has emerged as the latest target to satisfy the first of those needs, assuming he can be lured away from Farke’s former club.
Daniel Farke’s eyes Norwich ace joins Leeds United
Summerville’s exit has come as a disappointment to Leeds United fans, as the amount appears to be much short of what was expected following the blockbuster sale of star youth Archie Gray to Tottenham.
Less than a week ago, talkSPORT (30 July) reported that the £40 million asking price was close to putting an end to the Hammers’ threat, only for the star winger to end up at the London Stadium for far less in a matter of days.
And the discovery of yet another release provision brings back unpleasant memories of last summer, when player after player left due to the existence, or even simply the assertion, of a get out clause in their contracts.
So Farke will need to restock as soon as possible to match the production of last season’s Championship Player of the Season, as the midfielder is still required to replace Glen Kamara’s departure to Rennes.
Rowe, 21, would cushion the blow of Summerville’s departure after 12 goals last season, even if it falls short of the 21 the former Elland Road star scored.
Full-back has always been a priority for the Whites in the transfer market, and it remains so even after the successful purchase of Jayden Bogle.
Failure to earn promotion last season signaled that strengthening was required, but as things are, it appears to be a chore merely to keep the squad from regressing.
The chances of two other teams repeating their 100-plus point seasons are slim, but Farke and his staff cannot afford to miss out again.
