Leeds United have benefitted from Victor Orta’s policy during his time at the club. The Spaniard pushed for the team to recruit young talents from across Europe in hopes of developing first team stars.
Though the process was not perfect, some of the results were hugely beneficial. The likes of Cody Drameh, Ian Poveda and Kristoffer Klaesson played through the U21s and barely got first team chances before their exit. Leeds also had some big hits including Crysencio Summerville and Pascal Struijk.
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Sam Greenwood can also be considered a success, as Leeds made a huge profit off him years after acquiring him from Arsenal.
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Former Leeds United man almost made huge switch
Leeds United announce the departure of Crysencio Summerville
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Pascal Struijk excelled in the Leeds U21 side on his way to breaking into the first team. After some seasons as a rotational player, he has now established himself as first choice at Elland Road. He is also part of the leadership group, wearing the captain’s armband in some games.
Crysencio Summerville is another product who gave the club a huge benefit. The winger broke into the first team and lit up the Championship two seasons ago. He won EFL Championship player of the year before moving to West Ham for £25million.
The Athletic are reporting that Summerville could have joined Nottingham Forest this summer. He turned down the opportunity as he felt he had something to prove at West Ham United. Forest were keen on him as a replacement for their £55million departure in Anthony Elanga.
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. https://t.co/yGuu9RqFBb
— Roshane Thomas (@RoshaneSport) September 8, 2025
Summerville credits Leeds for his development
Summerville was well loved by the fans during his time at Elland Road. The player has a huge admiration for the club and how they developed and treated him during his time there.
“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.”
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