Al‑Hilal’s €68 million gamble brings Crysencio Summerville

Al‑Hilal have moved to close a gap in attacking firepower by signing 24‑year‑old winger Crysencio Summerville, a deal that saw the Saudi club pay €68 million to West Ham United and promise the player €17 million a year on a four‑year contract.

The 24‑year‑old said the transfer felt like a great honour after weeks of uncertainty.

Speaking on the club’s official channels, Summerville declared, “I am very happy that I have signed for Al‑Hilal, the biggest club in the Saudi Pro League.”

He added that he arrives with “big ambitions”, hopes to win every trophy available and believes his presence will draw fans, describing himself as “a player for whom people come to the stadium.”

AS Roma showed interest, but the Italian club could not match the financial package Al‑Hilal offered.

Summerville confirmed the Saudi offer forced him to reconsider his options twice, underscoring the inequality between European and Gulf‑region spending.

He recalled being impressed by Al‑Hilal’s level at last year’s Club World Cup, saying the standard “surprised me a lot.”

Reflecting on his recent World Cup experience with the Netherlands, he noted two goals and two assists before the team exited in the round of 16.

The €68 million transfer turns a rollercoaster saga into a promising new chapter for both player and club.