Graham Smyth shares what someone at Leeds United has said amid ‘worrying’ transfer claim
Graham Smyth has responded to worried Leeds United fans about the imminent departure of Crysencio Summerville to West Ham United.
The Yorkshire Evening Post reporter responded to fans on his X account (2 August), among whom some were concerned about the lack of news regarding a replacement for Summerville.
Leeds are set to receive £25million plus add-ons for the Dutch winger [Dharmesh Sheth, 2 August] and he is the second significant departure at Elland Road this summer following Archie Gray’s move to Tottenham Hotspur.
When put to Smyth that the lack of rumours coming out of Elland Road regarding incoming players was “worrying”, Smyth replied: “Someone high up said to me recently: ‘We don’t say anything because if we do it can impact other things we’re trying to do.’
“They don’t see the benefit in leaking stuff. Gone are the days of owners texting transfer journalists. But they were prepared for CS exit. So let’s see.”
Leeds working on a replacement for Crysencio Summerville
The Championship play-off final loss to Southampton has cost Leeds two of the star assets as the Whites were one of the many sides affected by Profit and Sustainability rules this summer.
Leeds were reluctant to the fact that one major departure was needed this summer to stay within the financial boundaries of PSR, but that doesn’t change the fact that Summerville’s impending sale has left Daniel Farke in a difficult position with the Championship opener against Portsmouth just over a week away.
Summerville scored 19 goals and provided nine assists in the second tier last campaign, so replacing his goal contribution this late into the transfer window is a tall task for the club.
Farke does have others capable of filling the void left by last season’s Championship Player of the Year, but that should only be viewed as a temporary measure until an adequate replacement is identified.
Leeds will have planned for this situation, though. The club missed out on the riches of the Premier League last season and will have known that sides from the top tier would have come knocking for their prized assets.
Smyth has offered hope to Leeds fans who are worried about their prospects this season, but they still have one of the strongest sides in the division and are a recognisable name in world football. After all, it shouldn’t take too much convincing for Farke to bring in a high-quality replacement for Summerville.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have agreed to some “extravagant” Summerville add-ons ahead of his move to West Ham
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