When teams get relegated, their players often look for a way out – and Leeds United experienced exactly that in 2023. Following their drop back into the Championship, Elland Road witnessed a mass exodus as several key figures chose to leave the club.
In truth, the warning signs had been there for some time. After Marcelo Bielsa guided Leeds to Premier League survival in 2020, there was little significant improvement to the squad in subsequent transfer windows.
After Bielsa’s dismissal, Jesse Marsch arrived and successfully kept Leeds in the top flight. He was heavily backed in the summer transfer window that followed, but the American was also sacked during the disastrous 2022/23 campaign.
Leeds ended up changing managers three times that season before eventually suffering relegation back to the Championship.
A number of players then jumped ship and departed Elland Road.
Manchester United eye shock move for former Leeds star
Before last season concluded, Leeds United were linked with several Wolves players as the Midlands club prepared for life in the Championship.
Leeds were also credited with an interest in former Whites favourite Crysencio Summerville, but that dream now appears increasingly unlikely.
According to The Athletic, Manchester United have entered the race to sign the West Ham winger this summer. The Hammers are expected to demand around £50 million for the 24-year-old, who scored his first World Cup goal earlier this week.
Michael Carrick’s side are exploring options in wide areas ahead of next season, and any move for Summerville could depend on Marcus Rashford’s future, with the England international potentially set for a departure in the coming months.
Return for Leeds favourite unlikely
Leeds were briefly linked with Summerville towards the end of last season, but this latest development suggests a reunion is now improbable.
The reported asking price is likely to be beyond the 49ers’ comfort zone, especially with the club remaining cautious regarding the upcoming Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) regulations. Manchester United’s involvement further complicates matters.
Competing with a club capable of offering greater financial resources and European football would be extremely difficult.
As a result, Leeds may need to focus on alternative targets as they look to strengthen their attacking options. Heading into next season, relying solely on Dan James and Wilfried Gnonto as the only recognised wide alternatives behind Noah Okafor could prove risky if the club fail to add further quality in those areas.
