The Crysencio Summerville to West Ham United is almost a done deal. Following his buddy’s departure, reports suggest that Wilfried Gnonto might also leave through the same door for Italy. This leaves in a major gap in the Leeds United attack as Daniel Farke and management scour the market in search of new forwards.
According to Voetbal International, Farke’s side are interested in NEC Nijmegen winger Sontje Hansen alongside Birmingham City. The U21 Dutch international is nothing short of Crysencio’s replacement for Farke’s side. However, the involvement of Birmingham City might pose a challenge to the West Yorkshire outfit as The Blues are well-acquainted with the Dutch market.
Birmingham have previously signed Emil Hansson and Willum Willumson from Heracles Almelo and Go Ahead Eagles respectively. This showcases the West Midland outfit’s know-how of the Dutch market. Other unnamed English sides have also shown interest in the U21s Dutch winger.
Hansen arrived at NEC last year when his contract with Dutch Giants Ajax expired. He was a free transfer for the Nijmegan outfit proving his iron in the Eredivisie by the end of the season. Sontje Hansen scored six goals and provided seven assists in 38 official appearances for the Gelderland-based side.
Sontje’s prospect and other options for Leeds United
Credits: Imago Images
Hansen has missed the majority of the pre-season preparation for NEC due to a knee injury. However, this doesn’t seem to pose a problem now as the winger has recovered and is up and going under Rogier Meijer. Unlike Nijmegen, Leeds won’t have the luxury to sign the winger for a free.
The U21 Dutch international has another three years left on his contract. This will persuade NEC to demand a high fee for the winger. According to Transfermarkt, the Dutch winger’s market value currently stands at around £2.5 million. There is no info regarding his release clause or any demands by the club at the moment.
Sontje’s market value stands low compared to the transfer fees received by Leeds United for Summerville. Even if Nijmegen tries to inflate the winger, The Whites can comfortably afford the 22-year-old. Hansen can be a perfect replacement for Summerville if Leeds pay the right price for the youngster.
On the other hand, if we predict a Gnonto exit, the 49ers also have another winger on their radar. Plymouth Argyle forward Morgan Whittaker has been on The Whites’ radar for quite a while now. To add a cherry to the cake, the winger won’t cost much with a £10 million ask price. So, even if Wilfried Gnonto ends up away from Elland Road, The Whites have done their research to replace him too.
