The World Cup is not even a week old, but it has already thrown up some unexpected stars, and one of them could end up at Leeds United next season.
It is often dangerous to sign anyone based on World Cup performances, as there are countless examples of players struggling to ever replicate that magic consistently at the club level.
Leeds are unlikely to bring in anyone based on just what he has done in the World Cup, as recruitment has become far more sophisticated and data-driven in recent years.
However, Leeds already have data on one player who dazzled on his World Cup debut on Sunday night and left the club with a major transfer dilemma.
Crysencio Summerville dazzled against Japan
The former Leeds winger will leave West Ham in the summer after they were relegated from the Premier League at the end of last season.
Several Premier League sides have their eyes on Crysencio Summerville, and he has also been linked with a sensational return to Elland Road in the ongoing transfer window.
Leeds are thought to be considering making a move to take him back to the club this summer in a move that would leave several observers shocked.
The World Cup has given Summerville the perfect platform to remind everyone of his quality despite West Ham’s relegation, and he made the most of that opportunity on Sunday night.
In probably the match of the tournament thus far, Summerville scored in the Netherlands’ 2-2 draw against Japan.
He cut in from the right-hand side and found the bottom corner of the net with a brilliant shot on the weaker foot.
It was a dazzling goal in a shockingly brilliant individual performance as the West Ham star reminded everyone why he deserves to continue to play in the Premier League.
Should Leeds try to re-sign him?
Summerville is a better player than he was when he moved on from Leeds at the end of the 2023/24 season, after the Whites lost the playoff final.
In the latter half of the season, the winger emerged as West Ham’s most improved attacking threat and was keeping their hopes of survival alive.
Leeds need a forward with his mercurial ability to become more unpredictable in the final third and improve the team’s ability to create and score more.
However, any deal will have to make financial sense, and Leeds will have to gauge whether the supporters are prepared to welcome him back this summer.
