Leeds United: Crysencio Summerville may leave amid Chelsea, Liverpool links – Pundit
Carlton Palmer has issued an exit verdict on Leeds United attacker Crysencio Summerville amid links to Chelsea and Liverpool.
Speaking to Football League World (1 March), the pundit believes that the Blues see him as a perfect addition to their squad.
The 22-year-old has scored 15 goals and provided eight assists in 31 league games this season.
Palmer said: “Chelsea have identified Summerville from Leeds United as somebody they want to recruit in the summer.
“They see him as a perfect addition to what is already a massive squad but the 22-year-old has been in sensational form this season, as Leeds are flying in the Championship.
“Of course, if Leeds get promoted to the Premier League – Chelsea is a huge club – but if he’s playing well under Daniel Farke, then surely he would want to stay.
“But, at the end of the day, we all know that money talks, and should there be an unbelievable offer for Summerville, I think they will be forced to look at it.
“It’s going to be massive money and it seems like he’d like to stay, but Leeds are in a strong negotiating position because his contract doesn’t expire until 2026.
“There’s also no release clause in there. There was a buyout clause but it’s no longer active. There’s also solid interest from Liverpool, Aston Villa… so that’s only going to force the price up.
“I would think you’ll be looking at between £30million-£40million to get him out and for Leeds to sell him. But there’s still work to be done, Leeds need to get it (promotion) over the line and get back to the Premier League.
“If they don’t, then it’ll be a scramble for his signature. However, even if they do, he’s still going to be a hot commodity, but it’s going to take a lot of money to get him out of Leeds.”
Is Summerville going to leave Leeds United?
Leeds may struggle to keep hold of Summerville, particularly given the financial muscle of interested clubs like Chelsea, owned by Clearlake Capital and with Todd Boehly, an American billionaire, at the helm.
The substantial resources at Chelsea’s disposal, their stature as a top Premier League club and their ability to offer lucrative contracts may be enticing for the player who has been in incredible form.
Moreover, Leeds’ precarious position, potentially facing another season in the Championship if they fail to secure promotion, could weaken their bargaining position.
Without the allure of top-flight football, the Whites may struggle to match the financial offers and prestige that Chelsea can provide.
Despite Leeds’ efforts to tie Summerville down with a long-term contract, the lure of Chelsea and Premier League football may be too good to turn down.
While he will not be in any rush to make a decision, should the Whites face another season in the second tier, things might be a little different.
In other Leeds United news, a player made his mind up to leave the Whites months ago as Phil Hay shares an update from Elland Road.
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