After losing to the play-offs once more, Leeds United is predicted to lose one of its best players, which means Daniel Farke’s team will still play in the Championship the following year.
Southampton 0–1 Leeds
Leeds, who had never advanced through the playoffs in their history, was well-positioned to break that curse after smashing Norwich 4-0 in the semifinal. The Elland Road team had been among the top three teams in the Championship all season long.
Leeds will have to lick their wounds in the Championship the following season as a result of their inability to win at Wembley once more. They played poorly against Southampton, which ultimately allowed Adam Armstrong’s goal in the first half to prove the difference between the two teams and send the Saints back up to the Premier League at the first opportunity.
“When you come so close after 90 points and a great play-off semi-final, it hurts a lot”, Farke told the media after the game.
“It’s more important to take it as extra motivation. The supporters deserve a day to celebrate and we feel that pain today. We’re disappointed we could not send our fans back with something to cheer about and we’re not in the promised land. It’ll be difficult to come back stronger because we had 90 points this season.”
The chance to come back stronger will be even more difficult as Leeds’ grim financial picture is realised, with failure to secure promotion leaving them likely to need to raise cash fast this summer with a worrying financial picture emerging at Elland Road and £73.5m still owed for player transfers before anything can be spent this summer.
Now, news that Leeds fans will be fearing has broken.
Crysencio Summerville expected to leave Leeds
That news concerns the future of star man and Championship player of the season Crysencio Summerville, who had an unusually quiet game at Wembley and was substituted with his side chasing a goal.
Nonetheless, the Dutchman has been in sparkling form all season in England’s second tier, with 19 goals and 9 assists in 43 Championship games, and his form has caught the eye of Premier League sides including Liverpool.
Farke has also given him a lot of credit, praising both his inventiveness and his dedication to training.
“Crysencio is one hot kid. It’s endearing to witness a guy handle the ball in such a way. Our goal is for him to become more effective. Goals, support, and final goods are required. the following phase of his career. Delivers like this, he’s headed in the right direction,” the Leeds manager said.
“His response, not just when he had the ball—we all know he’s an incredible creative player—but also when it came to how hard he worked for the team. We really need this, and I want to thank him for it.
His exit now appears inevitable, and Phil Hay of The Athletic has verified this.
He said, “Summerville is among those expected to exit” on a permanent transfer before the new season begins. “Sales of certain players will be necessary this summer,” he said, alluding to possible financial difficulties.
Leeds are in a strong position to negotiate a deal, and if he does decide to leave Elland Road, they may be able to fetch a fee that is not quite a record. He has two years remaining on his present contract. But, Leeds may have a slew of tough summertime departures as another season in England’s second division is confirmed.
