Summerville makes clear plan for future as star warns Southampton ahead of play-off final

Crysencio Summerville has made it clear he is fully focused on helping Leeds overcome Southampton in Sunday’s play-off final after opening up about speculation over his future and also naming his favorite team-mate most to play at Elland Road.

When Leeds United were relegated 12 months ago, a host of players jumped ship – most of whom were happy to see the back.

Adding to the chaos was 49ers Enterprises taking full control of the club from Andrea Radrizzani and appointing a new manager in Daniel Farke.

Amidst the wreckage of relegation, well-priced Summerville have remained loyal to the Yorkshire giants.

Now, after what he admits was a devastating end to last season, the highly-rated Dutch forward aims to help seal the club’s immediate return to the Premier League.

Farke’s men face Southampton in Sunday’s Championship play-off final and Summerville heads to Wembley after scoring 21 goals and being named Championship Player of the Year.

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But when he recovered last summer, the 22-year-old admitted to TEAMtalk: “Relegation was devastating.

“We’ve got great characters in the squad, though, and guys that have come in like Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu and Connor Roberts.

“Even the coaching staff has made us stronger and now we are one unit.

“I can feel that and also the connection with the fans.”

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Summerville’s form this season has seen a plethora of teams all linked with his signature and there will no doubt be plenty of sides keen on his services regardless of whether Leeds manage to beat Saints on Sunday.

To that end, the likes of Liverpool, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Bayer Leverkusen have all been on his trail, while TEAMtalk revealed earlier this year that Chelsea were also keen, although that interest came from Mauricio Pochettino, who has since left Stamford Bridge. .

And while many of his team-mates were quick to jump ship last season, the 22-year-old was quick to laugh off any suggestion he wanted to leave last summer.

“I enjoyed staying because going straight back was always my plan,” he adds.

“I wanted to be a key part and I didn’t think about leaving.

“I thought to myself ‘why should I try to make a move if I have good people around me?’

“I just signed a new contract, so I felt at home.

“I scored a few goals in the Premier League last season and made my debut there.

“When you play in the best league in the world, you just want to come back.

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“My only plan was to be with Leeds, be the key man for the team and help us get back as soon as possible.”

The desire to take center stage in the famous white shirt further motivated Summerville’s decision not to seek a move away from Elland Road.

Asked if he enjoyed being the Whites’ main man, the Summerville goalscorer smiles: “Of course.

“I told myself that one of my goals was to be a key player for Leeds United this season.

“Some people call it pressure, but I just call it my challenge.

“I like that and I like being an important player for the team.

“Not just with goals and assists, but with leadership on and off the pitch. I grow as a person every day.”

As for the summer window, TEAMtalk also recently revealed that Summerville will not be agitating for a move away from Elland Road – even if the Whites don’t fit in at Wembley.

Play-off final: Summerville issues a rallying cry for Leeds

Summerville, who scored Leeds’ final goal in last Thursday’s 4-0 play-off semi-final win over Norwich City, is ready to face a Saints side who beat Farke’s men twice during the regular campaign from the league.

Summerville reasons: “Both games were at a different time and this is a play-off final – it’s totally different so we’ll approach the game differently.

“When you look at the guys we have, it’s the best group I’ve ever been involved with.

“The potential here is very high, but we have to win the play-off final first.

“Hopefully we can do that and then see what we can do in the Premier League.”

Summerville will be up against Kyle Walker-Peters, who was recognized as the best player in his position when he was named in the EFL Championship team of the season.

“I think he’s one of the best right-backs in the Championship and he was in the Team of the Season,” says Summerville.

“I like challenging myself against the best, so I’m looking forward to the duel.”

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The Dutchman will look to resume his successful partnership with full-back Junior Firpo on the left flank at Wembley.

Firpo disinterested Summerville to score on the Kop finish in last week’s demolition of the Canaries.

“Normally he could throw, but he looked and saw me and thought, ‘ok, Cree’s in a better position,’ so he played the ball to me,” Summerville says.

“Throughout the season, I think our bond has grown a lot.

“I love playing with Junior on the left and we feel like we’re on water. I can only say that it was good.”

Summerville was in conversation with Ross Heppenstall.