Leeds United are once again pushing hard for a return to the Premier League, determined not to repeat last season’s playoff disappointment. After narrowly missing out on promotion—finishing third in the Championship only to fall to Southampton in the Wembley final—Daniel Farke’s side now face the challenge of securing a top-flight berth for the second consecutive attempt. This setback last season also left them exposed in the summer transfer window, with several key players departing.
During their impressive run, Leeds showcased a wealth of talent across their attack. Youngsters like Wilfried Gnonto, Crysencio Summerville, and Georginio Rutter all caught the eye with their performances at the forefront of the pitch. However, the club’s dream team was gradually dismantled: Rutter eventually signed for Brighton & Hove Albion, Glen Kamara moved on to Rennes in France, Archie Gray joined Tottenham Hotspur, and Crysencio Summerville was snapped up by West Ham United.
Summerville, in particular, had made a significant impact during his time at Elland Road. The Dutch winger earned the Championship Player of the Year award after a stellar 2023/24 campaign, where he contributed an eye-popping 19 goals and nine assists in 43 appearances. His knack for cutting in from the left on his dominant right foot and his ability to create and score goals made him one of the most potent attacking forces in the division.
Unfortunately for Leeds fans, Summerville’s transition to the Premier League with West Ham hasn’t mirrored his Championship exploits. In his first 19 league appearances for the Hammers—of which he started only seven—he has managed just one goal and one assist. This relative lack of impact has become all the more glaring when measured against the promise he once displayed at Leeds, where he consistently posed a significant threat with his speed and skill.
Adding another layer to the narrative is the memory of another highly sought-after Dutch winger whom Leeds nearly signed during the summer transfer window of 2022: Cody Gakpo. Former head coach Jesse Marsch revealed that Leeds came incredibly close to landing Gakpo from PSV, with then-sporting director Victor Orta even going so far as to meet his family to discuss a potential move to Elland Road. In a later documentary, Gakpo confirmed he was considering three options at the time—staying at PSV, joining Southampton, or heading to Leeds. He even set personal milestones for a move: a brace would have seen him at Leeds, while a single goal might have tipped him toward Southampton. Ultimately, Gakpo’s hat-trick in a match against Volendam convinced him to remain at PSV.
That decision ultimately paved the way for his transfer to Liverpool in January 2023, for a fee reported to be as high as £45 million. Since joining the Reds, Gakpo has quickly made his mark in the Premier League. In his first 18 months at Anfield, he managed to score 15 times in the league—seven goals in the latter half of the 2022/23 season and eight last season. Under the guidance of manager Arne Slot, who replaced Jurgen Klopp, Gakpo’s form has continued to impress, as he has registered eight goals in just 16 league starts so far this term.
When comparing the two players, Gakpo has clearly outshone Summerville in several key attacking metrics on a per-90-minute basis. His performances have even drawn comparisons to a “right-footed Arjen Robben” from writer Sam McQuire, thanks to his ability to cut in from the left wing and wreak havoc in the final third. This is high praise, especially considering Robben’s legendary record of 144 goals and 101 assists in 309 appearances for Bayern Munich.
Not only has Gakpo been prolific in terms of scoring, but his overall contributions have also exceeded his expected goals (xG) by a margin of two to three goals—a testament to his clinical finishing and creative prowess. Moreover, while he has generated seven major scoring opportunities for his teammates, only three have been converted, underscoring his dual threat as both a finisher and a creator.
For Leeds, the contrast between Gakpo and Summerville is stark. While Summerville’s initial promise at Elland Road has faded in the top flight, Gakpo’s performances at Liverpool have only bolstered his reputation, leaving many to wonder if Leeds will regret not securing his signature. Former coach Marsch and sporting director Orta may well look back on their near miss with Gakpo as a critical misstep—especially given that his current form suggests he offers far more to his team than the West Ham winger who once emerged from their ranks.
As Leeds United continue their pursuit of promotion, these player narratives serve as a potent reminder of the fine margins in football. The club’s previous campaign showcased a tantalizing blend of raw talent and potential, but the subsequent exodus of key players has left an indelible mark on their squad. Now, as they aim to rebuild and return to the top flight, the comparisons between what might have been and what is currently unfolding are inevitable.
In the end, while Leeds may not have secured the high-profile signings they once desired, the lessons from last season’s missed opportunities—including the near-signing of a future star like Cody Gakpo—are set to inform their transfer strategies going forward. The challenge now is to strike the right balance between nurturing homegrown talent and attracting marquee players capable of making an immediate impact in the Premier League.
The road to promotion is a long and arduous one, filled with both promise and pitfalls. For Leeds United, the hope is that their next chapter will see them reclaiming their place among the elite, armed with the experience of past mistakes and the relentless ambition to prove themselves on the biggest stage. Whether it’s by rekindling the brilliance of their former stars or learning from the successes of others like Gakpo, the Foxes are determined to make their return to the Premier League a reality.
Only time will tell if the lessons of yesterday will translate into the triumphs of tomorrow, but one thing is certain: the pursuit of glory at Elland Road is far from over, and the saga of Leeds United continues to captivate fans and pundits alike.
