By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
Football transfer ITK Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Saudi side Al Hilal are confident of beating AS Roma to the signing of Crysencio Summerville after tabling what he describes as a “huge” personal terms package.
Romano now says the decision rests entirely with the player, who must decide whether to join Roma, who have already agreed a transfer fee with West Ham, or move to the Saudi Pro League for what would undoubtedly be a far more lucrative financial package.
Football Or Fortune?
Writing on X, Romano said:
“Al Hilal confident to beat AS Roma after huge proposal presented today for Crysencio Summerville.
Higher salary offered to the Dutch winger and bid already being processed by West Ham.
AS Roma leave the decision to Summerville; up to Crysencio, no counter bid.”
At this point, as a West Ham fan, it matters very little where Summerville eventually decides to play his football.
It would appear the West Ham hierarchy are set to receive just under £45 million for the Dutch winger if the Roma deal goes ahead, but – should Summerville head to Al Hilal (as per David Ormstein this afternoon) then the Hammers will receive a whopping €80 million.
Crysencio Summerville’s transfer takes a huge twist
A Big Career Decision
From Summerville’s point of view, however, it could be a more complicated decision.
Having only recently broken into the Dutch national side, I think he’ll have to think very carefully before choosing Saudi Arabia.
There is always the danger of becoming out of sight and out of mind when it comes to international football. Mind you, it didn’t do Ivan Toney any harm.
West Ham United may simply make the decision for the winger in what would be a huge financial win/win for both player and club.
It would also appear Aston Villa are now completely out of the race following their move for Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho.
Whatever Summerville decides, West Ham can now turn their full attention to the transfer market and finally begin reshaping Nuno Espírito Santo’s squad. More than likely with about £70 million nestling in the bank.
I for one won’t be sorry to see the very inconsistent Summerville go. One flash of assists and goals in two years and a terrible run in of last season. Suddenly finds form in the World Cup shop window. Says everything if he goes for the big money rather than serious football.
Have to disagree Gonzo. Toney was absolutely dreadful in the game the other night. Looked completely off the pace and out of his depth. Cannot see him ever making an England squad again. Especially when you consider the players that didn’t make the squad. Summerville would be mad to throw a promising career just for the money. But I would sort of understand it. Financial security versus top level football at both club and country level.
i can guess which deal the agent wants!
Just a moot point, why one minute is the fee in pounds sterling and the next in euros. Getting a tad confusing for us older codgers.
Paul, it is probably there in both currencies for exactly that reason… so you know what it equates to, wherever you are 🙂
Isn’t the Saudi offer 80m euro’s? Thats a lot more than £45m. Thats what Ornstein seems to think anyway
indeed, check the article update