Somerville completes record €70m move as Al Hilal win race for West Ham winger

Al Hilal have completed the signing of Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville from West Ham United in what is believed to be the Saudi club’s most expensive deal of the current transfer window.

The 24-year-old has agreed a four-year contract after passing a medical in Amsterdam last Tuesday, according to The Athletic, which reports the total package for the player exceeds €70m (£60m).

The deal is understood to be worth €55m as a guaranteed fee, with a further €5m in potential add-ons. The Athletic adds that securing Summerville was treated as a top priority by Al Hilal’s new hierarchy and sporting director Simon Francis, who arrived from Bournemouth.

Al Hilal saw off competition from several major European clubs to secure the forward’s signature. Roma are reported to have submitted a €46m bid, while Manchester United made enquiries about the player’s situation and Aston Villa also showed interest, but the Saudi Pro League side’s offer ultimately proved decisive.

Move expected after West Ham relegation

Summerville’s departure from West Ham had been anticipated following the club’s relegation to the Championship, despite the winger still having five years remaining on a contract that ran until 2029.

He joined West Ham in 2024 from Leeds United and went on to make 56 appearances for the London club. In the most recent season alone, he scored seven goals and provided five assists across all competitions.

The transfer brings an end to his spell at a side now preparing for life in the second tier of English football, and marks a significant coup for Al Hilal as they continue to invest heavily in high-profile signings.

World Cup impact

On the international stage, Summerville strengthened his reputation with an eye-catching campaign for the Netherlands at this summer’s World Cup.

He scored two goals and registered two assists in four matches, before the Dutch were eliminated on penalties by Morocco in the last 32.

Summerville’s performances for both club and country over the past year are understood to have underpinned the level of interest from Europe’s elite, as well as the scale of Al Hilal’s financial commitment to secure his services.