Leeds United’s squad endured significant upheaval over the summer transfer window after narrowly missing out on promotion to the Premier League. The defeat in the Championship play-off final signaled an exodus that few had predicted would be so extensive.
The Yorkshire club saw as many as 14 players depart Elland Road permanently, with six of those exits coming as free transfers. Archie Gray was one of the earliest big-name departures, securing a £40m move to Tottenham Hotspur.
Not far behind him were Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville, who both completed lucrative transfers to Premier League clubs.
Summerville, who had been crowned the Championship Player of the Season, made his own high-profile exit, joining West Ham United in a £25m deal. Interestingly, this move was not just a business decision but one influenced by his former Leeds teammate, Kalvin Phillips.
Kalvin Phillips Encouraged Summerville’s Exit
Kalvin Phillips, who left Leeds for Manchester City in 2022 in a £45m transfer, has seen his career stutter since leaving his boyhood club.
After struggling to break into Pep Guardiola’s plans and experiencing a challenging six-month loan spell at West Ham, Phillips found himself on the move again this summer, joining Ipswich Town on loan in another bid to revive his career.
Amidst his own struggles, Phillips played a pivotal role in shaping Summerville’s future. According to reports from The Athletic, Phillips “encouraged” Summerville to consider West Ham after the Hammers expressed interest in the talented Dutch winger.
When Summerville sought Phillips’ advice, the 28-year-old praised the staff at West Ham, the player care team, and the overall squad atmosphere, assuring Summerville that he would settle in comfortably.
Despite having started only once since his transfer to London, Summerville has been entrusted with the No. 7 shirt by West Ham’s manager, Julen Lopetegui, indicating the club’s long-term faith in the winger’s potential.
Leeds United’s Transfer Activity
Given the exodus of key players, Leeds were under immense pressure to bring in suitable replacements before the transfer window closed.
They left it late, but the club managed to make a series of important signings, including Ao Tanaka, Isaac Schmidt, and Manor Solomon. These additions were seen as crucial in bolstering a squad that had been severely depleted over the summer.
While it remains to be seen whether Daniel Farke’s summer recruitment will be enough to propel Leeds back into promotion contention, the early signs are promising.
An impressive 2-0 victory over Hull City on Saturday suggests that Leeds might still have the strength and quality needed to mount a serious challenge for promotion in the coming season.