Al Hilal agree a deal to sign West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville

Al Hilal have agreed a deal to sign Crysencio Summerville from West Ham, with the Saudi Pro League club reaching an agreement worth around 68 million pounds for the Netherlands winger. The 24-year-old is now expected to travel for a medical and finalise a long-term contract, resolving a saga that had drawn interest from several clubs across Europe.

The fee, reported at close to 80 million euros, puts Summerville among the most expensive signings in Saudi Pro League history. It also hands West Ham a substantial profit, given they paid Leeds around 25 million pounds for him only two years ago.

Al Hilal move ahead of United and Roma

Al Hilal saw off competition from Manchester United and Roma to reach the agreement. Roma had an offer in the region of 39 million pounds turned down earlier in the window, while United and Aston Villa were both credited with an interest in a player who has spent much of the summer being linked with a move away.

For West Ham, the sale makes sense on more than one level. The club were relegated from the Premier League last season, and a fee of this size for a player they signed relatively cheaply gives them room to rebuild. Summerville managed five league goals in a difficult campaign, but his value has held up thanks to his form for the Netherlands, for whom he remains a regular.

From Championship star to Saudi target

Summerville arrived in the Premier League with a big reputation after a standout season at Leeds, where he was named the Championship’s player of the season in 2023-24 with 19 goals and nine assists. That form earned him a five-year deal at West Ham, though his time in east London coincided with the club’s slide out of the top flight.

A left-footed winger who likes to cut inside from the right, Summerville offers the kind of direct running and goal threat that has become a priority for Saudi clubs chasing attacking talent. At 24, he is also younger than many of the marquee names the league has recruited in recent windows, which will only have added to his appeal.

Al Hilal spend as the window opens

The move comes as the Saudi Pro League’s summer window opens, running until 7 September. Al Hilal have again set themselves up as the league’s most aggressive recruiters, having spent heavily to rebuild their squad over the past year. Summerville would give them another quick, penetrative option in the wide areas.

The deal still needs the medical and the formal paperwork to go through, but with an agreement in place between the clubs and personal terms close, Summerville looks set to become the latest name from Europe to head for Saudi Arabia.

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