Al Hilal pivot to Crysencio Summerville after Raphinha talks stall | OneFootball

According to Goal.com, Al Hilal have sealed the signing of Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville from West Ham in a deal worth around 80 million euros.

Barcelona talks had collapsed, and a late move reportedly beat Roma to the 24-year-old. Behind-the-scenes accounts outline why the Saudi champions switched targets.

Al Hilal were said to have offered Barcelona 80 million euros for Raphinha, seeking a 20 million euros offset via João Cancelo moving the other way. When Joan Laporta pushed for 100 million euros, the bid was viewed internally as financial blackmail and negotiations were halted.

Attention then turned to Summerville at West Ham as alternatives were assessed. Funds had also been lined up for other pursuits, including Mason Greenwood, who later joined Türkiye's Fenerbahce, but swift decision-making redirected efforts to London.

It was further suggested that Roma were close to landing Summerville for 50 million euros, prompting Al Hilal to table 80 million euros, 30 million more. West Ham accepted quickly and initial paperwork was wrapped up within an hour.

Al Hilal's readiness followed close tracking of Summerville's recent Netherlands displays. The 24-year-old impressed at the 2026 World Cup with five goal involvements in six matches, and while leading clubs circled, Al Hilal's resources settled the race.

Source: Goal.com