Leeds United let go of some outstanding individual players last summer, following Daniel Farke’s side failing to gain promotion at the first time of asking.
Now a Premier League club a year later than planned, Leeds United were able to retain their best players this time around. However, Archie Gray, Georginio Rutter, and Crysencio Summerville could have been key figures had they gained promotion the first time around.
Crysencio Summerville left Leeds for West Ham United, with the Hammers making use of a release clause in his contract. In the end, that meant Summerville joined West Ham from Leeds for £25 million.
He came off the bench recently against Nottingham Forest with just minutes to spare, which saw Summerville assist Jarrod Bowen and win a penalty. He changed the game in a late 3-0 win for Graham Potter’s side.
Watford v Leeds United - Sky Bet Championship
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Nottingham Forest considered former Leeds United ace Crysencio Summerville
After an injury-hit season last term, Summerville struggled to get any sort of rhythm at the London Stadium. In 2023/24, Summerville was crowned the Championship Player of the Season, and he was handed the PFA award in a double scoop as well.
Summerville praised Leeds for their treatment of him, stating: “They took good care of me. I came as a little boy, 18 years old, I’m happy what happened there, helped me a lot. But happy to be in the Premier League with West Ham.”
However, following just one goal and two assists in 22 games last season, it was not the start he wanted. Then, reports stated Fenerbahce looked at ex-Leeds man Summerville in the summer window.
In the end, Summerville remained at West Ham. However, other reports have since emerged. Roshane Thomas of The Athletic has revealed other Premier League interest in the winger.
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He said: “Nottingham Forest viewed Crysencio Summerville as an ideal replacement for Anthony Elanga. But as far as Summerville was concerned, he had no interest in leaving West Ham. The winger has unfinished business at WHUFC.”
Forest, now a Europa League side, looked at a number of wide forward options after selling Elanga for £55 million to Newcastle United. The likes of Dan Ndoye, James McAtee, and Omari Hutchinson arrived, while Dilane Bakwa also moved to Forest over Leeds.
That stung Leeds, but Summerville also moving would also have been difficult to take for Leeds supporters, having largely adored him during the 2023/24 campaign at Elland Road.
Crysencio Summerville playing for Leeds United.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Summerville has a point to prove against Leeds
Summerville was close with Willy Gnonto at Leeds and the pair will meet on opposing sides in just over six weeks’ time. In returning, Summerville has a point to prove to Leeds.
Back in 2024, he was asked, “can you talk us through your celebration and why you do it?”
The winger responded: “I felt that people were sleeping on me [at Leeds United] because I thought it was my time last season, so my celebration came from that.
“I scored many goals, but people still didn’t appreciate it, and that’s why I did the celebration. I kept it because kids and people, they loved it, so now I’m just doing it.”