Manchester United’s pursuit of Crysencio Summerville has suffered a crushing blow after Al-Hilal blew the race for the West Ham United winger apart with a big-money offer, David Ornstein reveals.
Top Target
Summerville, 24, has emerged as the Red Devils’ leading target on the left wing this summer, with INEOS seeking to take advantage of West Ham’s relegation by striking a cut-price deal. However, as United learned with Mateus Fernandes, the Hammers proved to be obstinate negotiators, sticking to their guns over valuations for both the 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder and Summerville.
The Netherlands international, who enjoyed a superb World Cup in North America with four goal contributions in as many games, was understood to be valued in the £30 million bracket by United’s recruitment team.
Yet West Ham were demanding almost double that at £50 million, leading to protracted negotiations between the two clubs, despite Summerville being open to a switch to M16.
Italian side AS Roma were also in the hunt, with Gian Gasperini considering Summerville a priority target ahead of the Giallorossi’s return to the Champions League next season.
But in a twist that will have sent shockwaves down the corridors of power at Old Trafford, Al-Hilal have stormed into the race by agreeing a deal with West Ham – and, more crucially, got the green light from the player as well.
Al-Hilal strike first
David Ornstein reveals the Saudi Pro League club have reached an “agreement” worth around €80 million (£68m). Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano also confirms Summerville was offered a “huge proposal” alongside the bid.
🚨 EXCL: Al Hilal reach agreement with West Ham United to sign Crysencio Summerville. Deal for 24yo #WHUFC winger worth ~€80m & #Netherlands int’l scheduled to undergo #AlHilal medical. Long-term contract ready, pending final authorisations @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/Hr429OPfhF
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 21, 2026
Tweet: “EXCL: Al Hilal reach agreement with West Ham United to sign Crysencio Summerville. Deal for 24yo #WHUFC winger worth ~€80m & #Netherlands int’l scheduled to undergo #AlHilal medical. Long-term contract ready, pending final authorisations @TheAthleticFC.”
Summerville is scheduled to undergo a medical with Al-Hilal’s medical department, with a long-term contract ready to be signed for the switch to Riyadh. Once the “final authorisations” are complete, he will officially become a Blue Waves player.
Ornstein reveals Roma failed with a £39 million bid, again citing West Ham’s initial asking price of £50m. United are also said to have “enquired about his situation”, while Aston Villa were another admirer.
Nonetheless, no club in England – or, indeed, Europe – could have competed with the proposal Al-Hilal have tabled. It is not even clear if it was necessary, given the Saudi side have overpaid by nearly £20 million on the expected transfer fee.
Final Thoughts
Summerville is a talented player, with the potential to develop even further thanks to his dizzying dribbling and the ability to play on either flank with equal effectivenes. At £30 million, he was a risk worth taking for Manchester United, particularly if Marcus Rashford had been sold to fund it. At £50 million, the deal made less sense; at nearly £70 million, it is nonsensical.
Featured image David Ramos via Getty Images
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