Daniel Farke’s message throughout the summer transfer window was that Leeds United simply would not be able to replace the individual quality of either Crysencio Summerville or Georginio Rutter.
In fact, Farke is said to have told Leeds’ recruitment team to begin preparing for life without either of them as early as January.
Unfortunately, that scenario turned into reality once Leeds were beaten 1-0 in the play-off semi-final by Southampton, which effectively ended their hopes of keeping them.
That said, it was not until August that both ended up making moves to the Premier League, leaving Leeds with a limited amount of time to replace them, despite Farke‘s January comments.
Leeds did not really bring in a like-for-like replacement for Rutter, but the two new attackers signed in the final eight days of the window should go a long way to filling the void left by Summerville.
Sam Parkin makes big Manor Solomon Leeds claim
Summerville’s sale saw Leeds lose a total of 19 goals and nine assists in the regular league season alone, which ultimately led him to being crowned the Championship’s POTS.
Largie Ramazani was labelled as the Summerville replacement by many after his move from UD Almeria, but the loan capture of Manor Solomon a few days later means Leeds now effectively have two new players who can fulfil that role.
Based on the evidence of Solomon starting against Hull City, it would appear he is currently ahead of Ramazani in the pecking order right now.
And speaking on the latest episode of the ‘What The EFL Podcast‘, pundit Sam Parkin believes Leeds could not have found anyone better domestically than Solomon to replace Summerville.
He said: “I think Clarkey spoke about Manor Solomon last week. If you were going to replace Summerville with someone that’s already plying their trade in this country, Solomon is right up there.
“He’s got the signature move that they lost from Summerville, chopping in from the left-hand-side and bending it. He’s got the low centre of gravity and looks like a really good player.
“I have covered him on the international stage a couple of times and he is a very, very good player. That’s a great get for them and flashing back to that Hull victory the other day, Leeds were by far and away the better side.”
Dan James delivers joint verdict on Solomon and Largie Ramazani
Solomon and Ramazani will also be competing for a place in Leeds’ starting XI alongside Dan James, a player who has trained and played with both previously.
James was at Manchester United when Ramazani was progressing through the ranks as a youngster, and was on loan at Fulham at the same time as Solomon.
The Welsh international thinks both are great additions. He said: “I trained quite a few times with Largie before when he was 17 and he was a great prospect.
“He’s gone out to Spain, done well and he’s a great addition. I know Manor well, brilliant player, one that I’m sure the fans will be very excited by. He’s been very unlucky with injuries. I hope he can stay fit now.”
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