Leeds’ priority for the January window is now clear after 22-year-old’s ‘outstanding’ display – opinion

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Leeds United marked their return to Championship action on Friday with a lacklustre performance in their draw with Rotherham United.

Daniel Farke’s men drew a game for the first time in more than two months. And while the Whites had the ball in the net in the final minutes, Leeds rarely looked like genuinely finding a winner throughout the second-half.

It is the first time in quite a while that some have questioned Farke and the team. But there was one player who emerged from the contest with some credit.

Crysencio Summerville scored his seventh goal of the campaign to break the deadlock. It was a moment of brilliance from the Dutchman, who has now scored six goals and provided four assists in his last eight games in the Championship.

Summerville was ‘outstanding’ and electric for much of the contest. He was, by some distance, the best player on the pitch. And when he did not have the ball, Leeds looked to be out of ideas going forward.

Keeping Crysencio Summerville has to be Leeds’ priority in January

In fairness, Joel Piroe, Daniel James and Georginio Rutter have 13 league goals between them. James is arguably enjoying the best spell of his Leeds career. And few players in the Championship have been more exciting to watch than Rutter.

But Summerville is the star of the show. And with that, Leeds’ priority in the January transfer window already looks to be clear: keep Summerville at all costs.

Of course, it would be brilliant to see new signings arrive. And there are a couple of areas within the squad which remain a concern. However, Leeds clearly have enough in their ranks to compete for promotion.

So a new signing – unless something special comes along – is not essential. But keeping the 22-year-old is.

Fabrizio Romano has previously suggested that Premier League clubs are monitoring Summerville ahead of the January window. So bids will be coming in.

Leeds can expect a huge sum if they sell Summerville. We reportedly rejected a £20 million bid from Burnley in the summer. But replacing him would be a nearly impossible task while they are in the Championship.

Judging by Friday’s performance, selling Summerville cannot be considered if Leeds are going to kick on and secure promotion.