Alex Crook believes Leeds United’s sale of Crysencio Summerville to Brighton for roughly £30 million would be “a good deal”.
talkSPORT’s top football journalist spoke with Jeff Stelling and Alan Pardew (18 June, 8:50am) on the rumors around Summerville following Brighton’s bid to sign the Whites winger (Fabrizio Romano, 17 June).
Crook stated that the Dutch forward is wanted by many Premier League clubs this summer and appears certain to leave Elland Road following Leeds’ Championship play-off failure [Leeds Live].
He stated, “I believe there were always going to be players from that squad who would leave, with Summerville at the top of that list.
“I think it’d be a good move for him; obviously, Brighton have a new manager.” But don’t expect them to have a free run at Summerville; many Premier League clubs have him on their radar.
“It’s going to be a good deal for Leeds, I think they’re pricing him at around £30million, so money to reinvest in their squad potentially.”
Leeds United to push hard for Crysencio Summerville move.
The Whites’ 1-0 loss to Southampton at Wembley Stadium on May 26 means another season in the second division, as well as the inevitable financial squeezing that comes with playing in the Championship.
Despite having to sell some high-profile players this summer, Leeds’ transfer policy has been significantly aided by Red Bull’s addition as a club sponsor and minor stakeholder [Last Word on Sports].
The money generated by that relationship may mean the difference between a player like Summerville being sold cheaply or for his asking price, and the club must ensure they strictly adhere to the latter.
Summerville is unlikely to want to spend another season in the second division after winning the Championship Player of the Year title, but unlike last summer’s chaotic departure of loanees, Daniel Farke will be in a much stronger position to insist he only leaves for market value.
The return of Brenden Aaronson and the prospective signing of Regina playmaker Natan Girma should improve Leeds’ attacking options, but that doesn’t mean the Whites shouldn’t try to get every penny out of Brighton, or any other club looking to sign their star number 10 [Il Resto del Carlino].
