How Brenden Aaronson and Willy Gnonto reacted to Crysencio Summerville’s Leeds exit

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West Ham United announced the permanent signing of Crysencio Summerville from Leeds United on Saturday afternoon in a deal that is expected to exceed £30m with add-ons.

Summerville, 22, attracted attention from a number of Premier League clubs this summer after winning the Championship’s Player of the Season award last season, scoring 21 goals and creating another 10.

The Netherlands U21 ace is reportedly set to cost West Ham an initial £25m fee, but that Leeds could rake in a further £9m in add-ons. Performance-related add-ons could see Leeds rake in another £5m on top.

The other £4m is expected to be due when Summerville wins his first Netherlands cap. However, Leeds confirmed on social media that West Ham actually activated a clause in Summerville’s Leeds contract.

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Summerville waves goodbye to Leeds with touching message

The pocket-sized winger spent four years at Elland Road. Bought as a teenager from Feyenoord in 2020, Summerville started life in West Yorkshire in the U21 side but quickly broke into the first team set-up.

It wasn’t until Jesse Marsch’s arrival that Summerville got a real chance in the senior side, scoring goals in the Premier League. But after relegation, he chose to stay at Leeds and instantly became a crucial player.

After his stellar 2023-24 campaign, Summerville was always expected to leave Leeds after The Whites lost to Southampton in the play-off final. He has posted a tribute to Leeds on Instagram after his four years.

He said: “I came here as a young boy with ambitions and dreams, and faith in what LUFC could mean for my career. I can now proudly say that I couldn’t make a better a decision 4 years ago.

“My teammates, coaches, club staff, everyone involved with the club and the powerful Leeds army have made me feel at home and got the best out of me. I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

“For what you have my meant for my development as a player and all the memories shared. I’ll that with me everywhere I go and have a special place in my heart. I wish you all the best for the coming season.

“Once again, thank you Leeds family for everything. Keep Marching On Together.”

How Brenden Aaronson and Willy Gnonto have responded

For Aaronson, the USA star returns and could be considered as the man to replace Summerville having started both games in Germany on the left. Against Valencia however, Gnonto was given left-wing duties.

Gnonto and Summerville are renowned for being inseparable, even living together. Reports say that Summerville’s exit does not necessarily mean, though, that Gnonto will leave Elland Road this summer.

Plenty of current Leeds players reacted on Summerville’s Instagram post, including the likes of new signing Jayden Bogle. Gnonto posted a series of emojis including a paperclip, along with a crying face.