This 23-Year-Old West Ham United Player Rejected A Move To Nottingham Forest: How Should The Hammers Use Him? | OneFootball

The biggest challenge for Nottingham Forest in this summer’s transfer window was finding a replacement for Anthony Elanga. A report from The Athletic suggests that Forest management had named West Ham United winger Crysencio Summerville at the top of their priority list.

Nuno Espírito Santo wanted Summerville to wear the team’s jersey and walk into the City Ground as soon as Elanga left. However, the story did not go as planned. The Netherlands player made it clear to his agents that he had no intention of leaving West Ham.

Forest lost Elanga to Newcastle United for £52 million and saw Summerville as the perfect fit to fill the void. Borussia Dortmund also showed interest, but they only wanted to crack the deal on loan. Meanwhile, Summerville decided to solidify his place at West Ham.

The 23-year-old recently came on the pitch against Nottingham Forest before the international break and assisted Jarrod Bowen to help his team to a sensational 3-0 win. This performance proved his quality in just a few minutes. Summerville himself said that he has unfinished business at London Stadium, and this is the biggest proof of his loyalty.

Why was this decision right for West Ham?

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 04: Crysencio Summerville of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and West Ham United FC at Etihad Stadium on January 04, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Summerville’s rejection of Forest’s offer is nothing short of a gift for West Ham. The reason is very clear, as this player has both loyalty and immense potential. He suffered a hamstring injury last season, and his debut season was incomplete. In such a situation, if the Dutch winger had given up so quickly and chosen the path of another team, it would not have been the right message for his career. Instead, he showed that he has faith in the club and is also hungry to prove himself.

Graham Potter has a player who can bring life to the game with his speed and dribbling skills on the wings. He could be used as a substitute in the early stages, but as his fitness returns, he could well deserve a place in the starting eleven. In Potter’s flexible tactics, Summerville could either fill in as two attacking midfielders or play as a wing-back. His pace could be a dangerous asset, particularly on the counter-attack.

West Ham made several big decisions this summer, with talks of West Ham eyeing Frank Lampard as their new manager, and West Ham rejecting the chance to sign Andre Onana in the summer transfer window. Summerville’s stay provides stability to the club’s plans. It may have been a costly miss for Nottingham Forest, but West Ham fans can be proud that their player wants to complete his unfinished business in the club’s shirt.