Ex-Leeds United star reunites on air with Elland Road scout after World Cup goal | OneFootball

Former Leeds United scout Gaby Ruiz and Crysencio Summerville were reunited on DAZN’s World Cup coverage after the winger scored in the Netherlands opener. According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, the pair met on air during the post-match segment.

Ruiz was appointed Leeds’ head of European recruitment in 2017 after spells alongside Victor Orta at Middlesbrough and Elche. Both left Elland Road in 2023 following Javi Gracia’s sacking and relegation to the Championship.

He later linked up with Orta at Sevilla and is currently part of his set-up at Real Valladolid. Ruiz also works in broadcast journalism with DAZN.

The Spaniard helped bring Summerville from Feyenoord in 2020 for around £1.5m. The winger waited as an 18-year-old, then became a first-team regular under Daniel Farke, delivering 21 goals and 10 assists in 2023/24.

Leeds’ Wembley play-off final defeat marked his exit, with West Ham United activating a release clause for around £28m. Ronald Koeman then gave him a first senior international call-up for the World Cup squad and he scored against Japan.

On DAZN, Ruiz congratulated him and recalled telling the youngster he would reach a World Cup, while Summerville thanked Ruiz and Orta for backing his talent. Ruiz closed by tipping a Netherlands win over Sweden.

With West Ham relegated, Summerville’s club future is uncertain. His World Cup involvement could draw bids that test West Ham’s resolve in the summer window.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk