The sting of missing out on coveted Feyenoord star Igor Paixao to Marseille is still fresh for Leeds United.
After what seemed like a prolonged and increasingly promising pursuit, Paixao chose Champions League football over Elland Road’s Premier League ambitions.
This setback leaves Daniel Farke and the club’s recruitment team with a clear void to fill in their attacking ranks as the new season looms.
But could this disappointment trigger a strategic pivot? Instead of scouring the market for entirely new faces, might Leeds look to the past to bolster their future?
The question now arises: could the Whites make a move to bring back two players who have recently graced Elland Road, and if so, would they ultimately serve the club better than the ones who got away?
A costly comeback for Crysencio Summerville
Crysencio Summerville, the 2023/24 Championship Player of the Season, was instrumental in Leeds reaching the play-off final, netting 20 goals and providing nine assists.
His subsequent £25 million move to West Ham in August 2024 was seen as a bargain. However, his Premier League debut season yielded just one goal and one assist in 19 appearances.
Now, under new manager Jose Mourinho, Fenerbahçe are reportedly keen to offer the Dutchman a lifeline, with a loan move seemingly more likely. For Leeds United, re-signing Summerville presents a major financial challenge.
Having sold him for £25 million (plus add-ons) on a long-term deal until June 2029, West Ham would demand a significantly higher fee.
| Contributions | Statistic |
| Goals | 25 |
| Assists | 13 |
| Appearances | 89 |
| Minutes played | 5,779′ |
Crucially, Leeds’ original sale lacked a sell-on clause, preventing them from benefiting from his increased value. Acquiring him now would be a substantial outlay, representing a considerable financial “loss” compared to his initial sale.
It’s been reported that Leeds could be owed £9million in add-ons from the Summerville deal if two criteria are met: £4million if Summerville earns a cap for the Dutch national side, and a further £5million in performance-related add-ons.
But should the 23-year-old leave West Ham this summer, and on a permanent deal too, it would surely see those £9million worth of add-ons expire, a huge blow for the 49ers and Farke.
The free agent who isn’t free, Manor Solomon
Re-signing Manor Solomon for Leeds United presents a different scenario than Summerville. Solomon joined Tottenham on a free transfer in July 2023, with his contract running until June 2028.
After a highly successful loan spell at Leeds for the 2024/25 season, contributing significantly to their promotion with 10 goals and 12 assists, Leeds are reportedly keen on a permanent move.
| Contributions | Statistic |
| Goals | 10 |
| Assists | 13 |
| Appearances | 41 |
| Minutes played | 2,705′ |
However, Tottenham would now demand a transfer fee, with reports suggesting they value him at £20 million, while Leeds hope for closer to £15 million. Tottenham acquired him for free, so any fee represents pure profit for them. Solomon has indicated his desire to stay at Spurs, though his excellent performance at Leeds makes him an attractive prospect.
For Leeds, this would not be recouping a loss as with Summerville, but rather a new, significant investment to secure a proven performer.
Missing out on him would be a missed opportunity, especially given his impact during their promotion season.
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