Leeds United are actively seeking a replacement for Crysencio Summerville, who was instrumental for them last season.
In their search, the Yorkshire-based club has set its sights on Norwich City’s promising talent, Jonathan Rowe. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, speaking exclusively to GIVEMESPORT, has shed light on the ongoing negotiations, noting that while a deal for Rowe is still a possibility, it is far from straightforward.
Leeds United’s Transfer Strategy
After their unsuccessful bid to return to the Premier League at the first attempt—falling short in the Championship play-off final against Southampton—Leeds United are preparing for another season in the second tier. The club has already made several key acquisitions, including Joe Rodon, Jayden Bogle, and Joe Rothwell, all of whom have joined on loan. These signings are part of Leeds’ strategy to strengthen their squad and mount a serious challenge for promotion this season.
The departure of Crysencio Summerville, who made a significant impact with 31 goal involvements last term, has left a notable gap in Leeds’ attacking lineup. As a result, the club is keen to find a suitable replacement before the transfer window closes. One player who has emerged as a prime target is Jonathan Rowe, a 21-year-old winger from Norwich City. Rowe has enjoyed a standout season, scoring 13 goals and providing four assists in the 2023/24 campaign, and has quickly become one of the most sought-after young talents in English football.
Interest from Other Clubs
Leeds’ pursuit of Rowe is facing competition from several other clubs. Marseille, the French Ligue 1 side, has shown significant interest and is reportedly attempting to hijack Leeds’ move for the winger. Marseille’s involvement adds another layer of complexity to Leeds’ efforts to secure Rowe’s services.
In addition to Marseille, Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers has also entered the race for Rowe. Wolves’ manager Gary O’Neil is reportedly keen to bring the young winger to Molineux, intensifying the competition for his signature. The interest from these clubs underscores Rowe’s growing reputation and the high demand for his talents.
Fabrizio Romano’s Insight
Fabrizio Romano, known for his reliable transfer updates, has provided some clarity on the situation. According to Romano, Leeds United are still very much in the race for Rowe, though he acknowledges that securing a deal will be challenging. Romano stated:
“Yeah, Leeds are still considering this possibility. To be honest, it’s not an easy one, but potentially yes. To answer your question, there is still a chance to try again in this moment. Again, it is not considered super easy, but I would keep the doors open for this one until the end of the window.”
Romano’s comments highlight that while Leeds are actively pursuing Rowe, they face stiff competition and a challenging negotiating environment. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for developments as the transfer window draws to a close.
Alternative Targets
In addition to Rowe, Leeds United have identified another potential replacement for Summerville in the form of Jesurun Rak-Sakyi. The Crystal Palace winger, who has struggled for regular game time, is also on Leeds’ radar. Rak-Sakyi, who had limited action at Selhurst Park last season, has attracted interest from multiple clubs, including Sheffield United.
| Summerville vs Rowe – 23/24 Championship Stats | ||
|---|---|---|
| Statistic | Summerville | Rowe |
| Minutes | 3,526 | 2,053 |
| Goals | 19 | 12 |
| Assists | 9 | 2 |
| Shots per game | 3 | 1.8 |
| Dribbles per game | 2.3 | 0.8 |
| Key passes per game | 2.6 | 0.8 |
| Overall rating | 7.65 | 6.90 |
Recent reports suggest that Leeds have submitted a £15 million bid for Rak-Sakyi. However, Sheffield United, another club interested in the winger, is also in contention for his services. Despite the competition, Leeds are reportedly pushing for a deal and have reached an agreement with Crystal Palace for a season-long loan, according to Sky Sports.
So
As the transfer window edges closer to its deadline, Leeds United’s pursuit of Jonathan Rowe and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi underscores their commitment to finding a quality replacement for Crysencio Summerville. While the competition for Rowe’s signature is fierce, Fabrizio Romano’s insights suggest that Leeds remain hopeful of securing a deal. Simultaneously, the club’s interest in Rak-Sakyi provides an alternative route to bolster their attacking options.
With the transfer window closing on August 30, Leeds United will need to act swiftly to finalize their targets. The outcome of these pursuits could significantly impact their preparations for the upcoming Championship season and their ambitions for promotion back to the Premier League.
