Leeds United could use the money they received from West Ham for Crysencio Summerville to thwart Tim Steidten’s plans.
West Ham paid Leeds United £26m for their best player Summerville in the summer.
Hammers fans love the Dutchman already, even if he’s not getting as much game time as they – or he – would like under Julen Lopetegui.
Taking the 23-year-old from Leeds was significant for West Ham.
The club’s technical director Tim Steidten pledged that West Ham’s big rebuild would be based around young, exciting players.
Summerville was one of only two from nine acquisitions that fit that bill.
The deal with Leeds might come back to bite the Hammers, though.
The financials behind the Summerville deal between West Ham and Leeds were initially shrouded in mystery.
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Leeds made the Irons hierarchy sign a non-disclosure agreement regarding the fee paid for Summerville. The club confirmed as much in the official statement announcing his departure.
Various theories were circulating as to why.
Summerville had a release clause of £25m but, crucially, it could only be activated on the condition it was all paid up front as a lump sum.
That is extremely rare in big money transfers nowadays, which are paid in equal instalments over the length of a player’s contract.
West Ham wanted to pay over four instalments of £6.25m running to July 2027. But Leeds refused.
Crysencio Summerville of West Ham United reacts after missing a chance during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and West Ham Unit...
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Leeds could use Summerville cash against West Ham
Eventually a compromise was reached whereby West Ham agreed to pay an extra £1m – so £26m – but in in instalments plus a further £350,000 in incidental expenses.
It has provided the Elland Road club with the security of regular cash flow. Now they might use if against West Ham.
The Hammers are reportedly close to the limit regarding PSR after their £155m summer splurge.
But their rebuild is only halfway done.
West Ham still need to sign revamp in key areas.
And that has put them on a collision course with the Yorkshire club.
Because Leeds want a West Ham target and now Steidten must sign him six months early.
Hammers need new Fabianski successor
A problem that has emerged in east London which nobody saw coming.
West Ham could have got away with addressing it next summer.
That problem being the very important position of goalkeeper.
West Ham went into the season with Alphonse Areola as number one backed up by experienced veteran Lukasz Fabianski and seasoned pro Wes Foderingham who had arrived on a free.
Three experienced goalkeepers with plenty of talent there.
Nobody imagined that would become a major priority for West Ham. But it has.
Areola has proved both injury prone and incapable of truly establishing himself as number one.
As a result Fabianski has reclaimed top spot and showed his class once again at Bournemouth on Monday night with a man of the match display.
But he turns 40 this season and West Ham need to bring in a goalkeeper who can be the heir to Fabianski for years to come.
Split image of Tim Steidten, Caoimhin Kelleher, and Daniel Farke.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Leeds want West Ham target Kelleher
West Ham have been linked with a move for Liverpool star Caoimhin Kelleher since he made it clear he wants to leave Liverpool to be a number one elsewhere.
News Kelleher is going to be available seemed like perfect timing for the Hammers.
The 26-year-old stopper has seriously impressed while covering for Alisson as Liverpool lead the way in the Premier League and Europe.
Kelleher knows he is too good to be a number two goalkeeper and when speaking to The Times, he admitted that he knows he has to leave to be top dog.
Now sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk that Leeds are planning an audacious move to get to Kelleher first.
It’s claimed the Elland Road outfit see Kelleher as the perfect target to replace Illan Meslier, who has revealed he is likely to leave in the near future.
Now Steidten must sign Liverpool man six months early
The report states Leeds will be in the mix, but would only have a chance of signing him if they gain promotion to the Premier League.
Leeds are currently in second place in the Championship, an automatic promotion spot, nearing the halfway stage of the season.
So West Ham may not be able to afford to risk waiting until the summer if Kelleher is the man they want.
There has been talk Areola could be sold in January.
If that is the case the Hammers must send the money straight to Liverpool to bring the Ireland goalkeeper to east London before Leeds get the chance.
Sometimes opportunities present themselves and are too good to turn down.
This is one of them for the Hammers and Steidten.
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