Leeds United suffered a devastating blow last week when they failed to gain promotion to the Premier League through the Championship playoffs.
Beaten 1-0 by Southampton at Wembley, speculation around Leeds immediately turned to which players might be sold in order to help ease the club’s significant financial concerns.
While last week’s investment by Red Bull, whose other clubs Liverpool have done business with over the years, eased some of those immediate money worries, it has nonetheless been acknowledged by club chairman Paraag Marathe that sales would be needed.
The Yorkshire side have got some decent talent on the books, including Wilfried Gnonto, Georginio Rutter and Ethan Ampadu, but it’s two other players in the squad that have been heavily linked with Liverpool.
Archie Gray, 18, is a homegrown prospect who has just enjoyed a breakthrough season, playing right back and midfield for Daniel Farke’s side.
He has long been touted for bigger and better things, with links to Liverpool stretching back throughout last season.
Crysencio Summerville, meanwhile, has just been named the EFL’s Championship player of the season, weighing in with 19 goals in 45 league games.
He has been valued at £35 million and Ben Jacobs of GIVEMESPORT claims both Chelsea and the Reds have ‘discussed’ the 22-year-old internally.
The White won’t be able to hold back interest in Gray forever either and Jacobs states that Liverpool, Arsenal, West Ham and Brighton are all on the youngster’s trail this transfer window.
Summerville and Gray Leeds contracts
Summerville is contracted to the Elland Road outfit until 2026 and so the time is certainly approaching to cash in.
Leeds managed to protect their investment in Gray back in January, tying him to a new contract until 2028, but there is speculation that he could be on his way. Fees up to £50m and beyond have been mentioned in relation to the young Yorkshireman.
A double swoop on Leeds for Gray and Summerville could be just the ticket to get Liverpool’s 2024-25 transfer window kickstarted.