West Ham agree deal with Al Hilal for Summerville

West Ham United have agreed terms with Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal for the sale of winger Crysencio Summerville, sources have confirmed. The deal marks a swift departure for the Dutchman, who only joined the Hammers last summer.

Summerville arrived from Leeds United in July 2024 for a fee reported to be around Β£25 million, signing a five-year contract. However, after just one season at the London Stadium, the 23-year-old is now set to move to the Middle East.

The transfer represents a significant profit for West Ham, with Al Hilal understood to be paying a fee in excess of Β£30 million. The exact financial details and contract length offered to Summerville remain undisclosed at this stage.

Summerville's brief West Ham stint

Summerville made 29 Premier League appearances for West Ham last season, scoring four goals and providing three assists. His direct running and creativity from the left flank offered an occasional spark, but he struggled to cement a regular starting berth under manager Julen Lopetegui.

The Dutch youth international was often deployed as an impact substitute, with Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus preferred as the first-choice wide options. His minutes were further limited by the emergence of summer signing Luis Guilherme.

Statistically, Summerville averaged 1.2 key passes per game and completed 1.5 dribbles, ranking him in the middle tier among wingers in the division. His goal contribution of seven in the league fell short of the double figures many expected after his Championship exploits.

Tactical context: Why West Ham are selling

Lopetegui's system at West Ham relies on pacy, direct wide players who can cut inside onto their stronger foot. Summerville, predominantly a left-footer operating from the left, often became predictable when defences showed him onto his right foot.

With Al Hilal's interest, the club saw an opportunity to cash in on a player who was not an automatic starter. The funds could be reinvested into other targets, particularly after West Ham missed out on European qualification for the 2025-26 season.

The sale also aligns with West Ham's financial strategy of generating profit on player trading, a model they have increasingly adopted since the departure of Declan Rice to Arsenal.

Fantasy Premier League impact

Summerville's departure removes a budget midfield option from the FPL pool. He was priced at Β£5.5 million at the start of last season, with ownership peaking at 22% following a promising pre-season. However, his minutes dropped significantly after Gameweek 8, and he finished the campaign with an underwhelming 89 points.

Owners will now need to look elsewhere for a cut-price winger. Potential replacements include Adam Wharton at Crystal Palace or Cole Palmer's cheaper Chelsea team-mates. Summerville's move to Al Hilal makes him ineligible for FPL selection altogether.

What next for Summerville and West Ham?

For Summerville, the move to Al Hilal offers a lucrative contract and the chance to play in the Asian Champions League alongside the likes of Neymar and RΓΊben Neves. He becomes the latest young European talent to choose the Saudi Pro League as his next career step.

For West Ham, attention turns to reinvesting the transfer fee. The club have been linked with reinforcements in midfield and at right-back, with Lopetegui keen to add more physicality to his squad. The Hammers kick off the new Premier League season against Aston Villa in August.

The deal is expected to be completed once all paperwork is finalised and Summerville passes a medical. Al Hilal are anticipated to announce the signing officially within the next 48 hours.

Filed under: Transfer News | LA Premier League Home