Fabrizio Romano Provides Update on Liverpool’s Early Transfer Plans
As Liverpool begin to prepare their plans for the upcoming transfer window, there have been various different reports linking a range of names with a move to Anfield. However, it’s a familiar name that appears to be catching the eye once again, according to a report from Fabrizio Romano today.
The transfer guru has claimed that both Liverpool and Chelsea are “still keeping a close eye to Crysencio Summerville’s situation at Leeds United.” Romano continues to explain that “both clubs have been monitoring him this season and showing interest in recent weeks.”
Importantly, he also pointed out that “nothing is advanced yet but talks for the Dutch winger are expected to begin soon.”
Why are Liverpool Interested in Summerville?
Liverpool are expected to make a move for a forward this summer, especially due to the uncertain future of Luis Diaz who has been linked with a move to the likes of Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain or even a switch to the Saudi Pro League. That would make the 22-year-old a likely candidate to make the move to Anfield after an impressive 2023/24 campaign with Leeds United, which saw him score 21 goals and assist a further 10 across all competitions.
His underlying numbers are also really impressive, averaging 5.04 progressive carries and 6.10 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes. His direct and fast-paced style of play is also evident, averaging 2.52 successful take-ons and 2.57 carries into the opposition penalty area per 90 minutes.
Financial Implications
I suspect that one of the major stumbling points in this deal for Liverpool, will be the asking price from Leeds United, which is reportedly in the region of £45million. It’s obviously not a case of the Reds not being able to afford such a purchase, but more that there could be better value for money elsewhere in the market.
In contrast, we all know that Chelsea would be willing to splash that sort of cash immediately to land their targeted player. It’s very hard to see Liverpool getting involved in a bidding war with the Blues, so I expect our stance to be quite clear early on in the window.
With Summerville’s contract set to expire in 2026, it’s approaching crunch time for Leeds who will definitely not want to lose the Dutchman for a cut-price or even for free in two years time.
Other Targets: A Potential ‘Smokescreen’?
Some fans have suggested that this could be a tactical ‘smokescreen’ by Liverpool, as they privately turn their attention to a different target. Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise, PSV’s Johan Bakayoko and Borussia Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi have all been linked with a switch to Anfield over recent days.
Personally, I think both Olise and Bakayoko would be better options for Liverpool to pursue in this window. With Olise being priced at around £60-70million and Bakayoko being priced at around £50m, both of those deals provide much better value-for-money than the reported move for Summerville.
Ultimately though, I have full trust in the club to get their transfer business right under the new Michael Edwards regime. This summer will definitely be an interesting one, but I’d expect to see a clear stance or movement in this Summerville move pretty soon.
