Leeds United must accept no less than £45m from Liverpool or Newcastle United: View | OneFootball

Leeds United’s relegation to the Championship brought plenty of change in the squad, and the high-profile departures created an opportunity for others to step up.

One player who emphatically grasped that chance is Crysencio Summerville.

Crysencio Summerville enjoys superb season with Leeds

The Dutch winger wasn’t exactly an unknown at Elland Road, as he had featured in the previous two seasons, which included scoring a memorable winner for the Whites at Anfield.

However, he was by no means the main man for Leeds, as he patiently waited for game time, with many of his minutes coming off the bench.

Yet, with the likes of Jack Harrison and Luis Sinisterra moving on, new boss Daniel Farke made Summerville a key player in his XI, and the 22-year-old has embraced that responsibility.

He has managed 17 goals and eight assists in 39 Championship appearances, which is an outstanding return for a wide player, to help Leeds to third in the table as they battle for automatic promotion.

It doesn’t tell the whole story either, as the quality of Summerville’s goals have been excellent, and his pace, direct style and intensity make him a joy to watch, and many observers would have him as the best individual in the league.

Crysencio Summerville transfer latest

Understandably, such form has meant that Summerville is attracting transfer attention ahead of the summer window, with Chelsea having been credited with an interest in the past. More recently, it’s thought that Liverpool and Newcastle are monitoring the attacker, and it’s claimed that Leeds won’t sell for less than £45m.

Of course, a lot is going to depend on whether the Yorkshire side win promotion, as it’s highly unlikely that Summerville will stick around in the Championship for another year.

Firstly, he will be desperate to play at the highest level, and the club may be in a position where they have to cash in as they would be preparing for another year without top-flight revenue.

Yet, even if they do go up, Leeds’ resolve could be tested, as playing for a club like Liverpool in particular is going to appeal, as they will be able to offer Champions League football, whilst they’re sure to be in the mix for all the trophies going.

Leeds United’s financial situation

Even though Leeds may need to sell if they stay in the second tier, it’s important to note that, unlike Leicester, for example, they are not in a desperate situation.

The Whites released their accounts this week, and they revealed a loss in excess of £30m. Obviously, that’s far from ideal, but it should be noted that the club is comfortable when it comes to PSR.

Therefore, they won’t be bullied, and that’s why they simply must stand firm when it comes to Summerville’s valuation, no matter what league they’re in.

Yes, £45m might seem steep for a player who is on the back of a great season in the second tier, but anyone who has seen Summerville play will recognise his talent.

His speed off the mark, his balance with the ball, and his close control to get past his opponent make him so hard to stop.

Crucially though, Summerville has composure and quality when it really matters in the final third. He will pick the right pass, he will make the right choice, and he will find the back of the net, whether it’s by curling in a shot with his right foot, or tapping home after picking the right position in the box.

All connected to the club will hope that Summerville has a few more chapters to add to his Leeds story in the Premier League, and there’s every chance he will stay if they go up.

But, they will also see a talent who is destined to play at the top, so the next step in his career may not be too far away, and, when that happens, Leeds must make sure they get the substantial fee Summerville warrants.