Al-Hilal have moved to sign winger Ernest Summerville from Aston Villa, reportedly offering a financial package that Roma could not match, according to multiple reports in Italian media. The deal represents a setback for Roma, who had been in advanced negotiations with both Summerville and Aston Villa for several weeks.
Roma had reached an agreement with Summerville himself and were awaiting a response from Aston Villa to their third bid, valued at approximately €50 million. However, Al-Hilal’s late intervention dramatically altered the situation, presenting both the player and Aston Villa with a significantly more lucrative offer. Nicolò Schira reports that the Saudi club offered Summerville a contract extending to 2030, worth €16 million per season, dwarfing Roma’s offer of €4.5 million annually.
Al-Hilal also surpassed Roma’s bid for the player’s transfer fee, reportedly submitting €80 million to Aston Villa. Roma officials maintained a firm stance throughout the negotiations, stating they would not engage in a bidding war and would allow Summerville to choose his future. Ultimately, the financial incentives offered by Al-Hilal proved too significant for the player to decline.
Roma are now shifting their focus to alternative targets, with Nusa and Kasper Schjelderup identified as priority options, as reported by Sky Sport. Schjelderup, a 2004-born player currently with Benfica, impressed during the recent World Cup with Norway, showcasing the qualities that have long been recognized in his game. Nusa, who plays for RB Leipzig, has also been performing well, though he didn’t fully replicate his club form on the international stage. Diogo Moreira remains another player of interest to the Roma hierarchy. Following the disappointment of missing out on Summerville, the club must now prioritize which of these alternatives to pursue.
Summerville joined Aston Villa in 2023, and quickly became a key player, contributing goals and assists. The move to Al-Hilal represents a significant financial windfall for both the player and Aston Villa, and a missed opportunity for Roma to strengthen their attacking options.
