"We can do better" - Leeds United urged to look elsewhere in pursuit of ex-Preston North End player | OneFootball

FLW's Leeds United fan pundit has given his verdict on the club's potential pursuit of Liam Millar

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Leeds United’s pursuit of Liam Millar is a potentially a sign that Crysencio Summerville’s time at the club is coming to an end.

According to The Athletic, the Whites are interested in signing the FC Basel winger this summer following his loan spell at Preston North End.

The Canadian was a key part of Ryan Lowe’s first team squad, contributing five goals and five assists from 35 appearances in the Championship, primarily from an unfavoured wing-back position.

However, he has since returned to his parent club following the end of the campaign, which has raised questions over the next step in his career.

The 24-year-old has just one year remaining on his current contract, so could depart on a permanent basis this summer in order for Basel to avoid losing him for nothing in 2025.

Adam Oxley of BBC Sheffield claims that Sheffield United have a deal in place to sign Millar after Canada's stint at the Copa America, but nothing is signed and sealed just yet seemingly, leaving Leeds seemingly with a chance to land the tricky forward.

Leeds United interest in Liam Millar surely seals Crysencio Summerville fate

FLW’s Leeds fan pundit Kris Smith believes that the links between the Whites and Millar indicate that Summerville’s departure is inevitable.

He has claimed that Millar wouldn’t be the worst signing to replace the Dutchman, but has highlighted some concerns regarding the difference in quality between the two players.

Leeds,”Smith told Football League World.

“We knew that would be the case anyway after we lost in the play-off final, but there’s more reality in the situation when we know we’re wanting to sign quite a direct left-winger that loves to drift inside on his right foot and shoot on-sight.

“As for Millar himself as a player, there’s definitely worse players out there that we could sign.

“From the eye test, he looked good in both games that he played against Leeds last season, given he gave Archie Gray a really tough time at Deepdale, especially that time when he scored that stunning winner.

“On the other hand though, I do think he is someone that we can do better than, in terms of signing left-wingers. “If we’re selling Summerville for around £35 to 40 million, which is the sort of fee that’s been bandied around, Millar would only bring in 10 goal involvements that he got from Preston last season.

“That’s compared to the 28 that we lost from Summerville’s league contributions, it would be a replacement that’s not nearly on the same level.”

Crysencio Summerville's importance to Leeds

Summerville won the EFL’s Player of the Season award as Leeds finished third in the Championship table last year.

The 22-year-old scored 19 goals and added nine assists, proving a crucial part of the Whites’ promotion battle.

However, their failure to go up to the Premier League has led to speculation over his future, with the likes of Brighton, Chelsea and Liverpool linked with a move.

If Summerville does depart, then someone like Millar arriving in his place could make a lot of sense.

It’s clear that Leeds won’t be able to reinvest the total fee earned for Summerville if he goes due to their financial position, so Millar could be an affordable option in his place.

The left-winger is also capable of playing as a wing-back, and could possibly even be an option at full-back if absolutely necessary - even if he has told Preston North End that he wants to play as a winger.

This could make him a valuable addition as a squad player in Farke’s side, especially given their lack of options in those areas at the moment.

But there is no getting away from the fact that he would be a step down in quality compared to Summerville, as would most realistic targets to replace the ex-Feyenoord player.

Leeds may have to lower their sights and ambitions, but if played further up the pitch, Millar could better his 10 goal contributions from last season, especially playing with higher quality team-mates.