Crysencio Summerville has agreed to join Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, turning down a move to West Ham United at the last minute, according to reports from Italy. The transfer comes after a dramatic turn of events involving a private jet chartered to fly the player from Rotterdam to Rome, for a potential deal with Roma.
Roma had reportedly reached a positive agreement with West Ham for a fee of around €50 million for Summerville, and had arranged for the Dutch winger to travel to the Italian capital on July 21st. However, Al Hilal intervened with a significantly higher offer, reportedly around €13 million per year for the player, dwarfing Roma’s offer of €4.5 million annually. Both Summerville and West Ham were informed of the lucrative proposal, halting the travel arrangements.
Summerville, 21, has been a rising talent in European football, most recently playing for Feyenoord in the Eredivisie. He contributed significantly to their league title win last season, showcasing his dribbling skills and goal-scoring ability. The winger has also represented the Netherlands at youth levels, and has been attracting attention from several top clubs across Europe.
The move to Al Hilal is part of a wider trend of players being drawn to the Saudi Pro League by substantial financial incentives. The league, backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is offering not only high salaries but also a comprehensive lifestyle package, including luxury accommodation and extensive support services for players and their families. This initiative is aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan, aimed at diversifying the country’s economy and increasing its global profile through investment in sports and entertainment.
The Saudi Pro League’s ambition extends beyond simply attracting established stars; it aims to develop a sustainable footballing ecosystem capable of competing with the top European leagues. The PIF’s involvement has led to significant investment in infrastructure, youth academies, and club governance. While the Saudi national team’s performance at the recent World Cup highlighted the work still needed to elevate the overall quality of the league, the long-term goal is to become a major force in international football, particularly with the country hosting the 2034 World Cup.
