George Overhill

Fri 2 June 2023 18:40, UK

Crysencio Summerville and Pascal Struijk are two players Leeds United are ready to let go if the right offer comes in, in what Phil Hay calls a “surprise” development.

With the Whites having been relegated from the Premier League on the final day of the season (28 May) The Athletic journalist expects “plenty of departures”, if and when the ownership situation is sorted out.

But while the headline names are almost certain to move on as clubs look to take advantage of the situation he named the two rotational options as a pair of less expected targets who have been pegged to join an Elland Road exodus.

Speaking on The Phil Hay Show (1 June) Hay named Illan Meslier, Jack Harrison, Luis Sinisterra, Marc Roca, Robin Koch and Rodrigo as players he expects to go.

He then said (23m): “A few departures that might cause a bit more surprise, Summerville and Struijk seem to be two who have earmarked as possibles to leave if the offers are good enough.”

Exodus

Everything in the transfer market is currently dependent on answers on who will be okaying any deals, with Angus Kinnear apparently left holding the fort solo at the moment.

Andrea Radrizzani’s negotiations with the 49ers only got more complicated with Hay’s story in The Athletic (1 June) about the Sampdoria loan, so concrete movement in and out on the players’ side may be pushed back until there is a resolution.

Struijk’s reputation improved earlier this season during a long emergency stint at left-back largely because he wasn’t Junior Firpo, and because he understandably was given the benefit of the doubt while playing out of position.

But the return to his favoured centre-back spot later in the season was far less successful, and while at 23 he is of the right age to be a part of the newly built side pushing for promotion the club would surely take the money if anyone is willing to offer it.

Summerville seems less surprising as attacking players in this Leeds United side are generally thought of more highly than the defenders who leave plenty to be desired, and he proved he can cause Premier League sides problems at times this season.

The 21-year-old’s current level of consistency suggests he could benefit greatly from a season playing regularly in the second tier before moving on if promotion is missed, but if a bid is tabled from a top flight club could well want to go.

The two represent more question marks in a sea of them at every level currently, in what is already turning into a bewildering summer in West Yorkshire.

In other Leeds United news, Radrizzani is now set to stay as owner of the club.