Al Hilal have tabled a €65m offer to sign Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville from West Ham United, according to a prominent Saudi journalist who has dismissed claims that the deal will cost the Riyadh club €80m.
Hamad Al-Suwaylim, a well-known Saudi reporter, said in a post on X that the Saudi Pro League champions have bid around €65m for the West Ham forward, with a proposed salary package of €12m per year for the player.
His clarification comes after earlier reports suggested Al Hilal were ready to pay €80m in transfer fees, a figure that would have made Summerville the second most expensive signing in Saudi league history.
Saudi journalist rejects €80m figure
Al-Suwaylim moved to correct what he described as inflated numbers surrounding the proposed transfer.
He wrote: “عرض الهلال لنادي وست هام الانجليزي بلغ حوالي 65 مليون يورو، فيما تم تقديم عرض مقابل 12 مليون يورو سنويا للاعب”.
The journalist had previously revealed that Summerville has already completed the medical examinations requested by Al Hilal in recent hours, after the player agreed in principle to join the club.
With medical checks understood to be out of the way and personal terms broadly settled, the deal is now believed to be in its final stages, pending formal documentation and an official announcement from both clubs.
Long-term contract expected in coming hours
Summerville is expected to sign a long-term contract with Al Hilal within the next few hours, local reports say, with the Saudi champions looking to secure one of the standout attacking talents of his generation.
If finalised, the move would continue Al Hilal’s strategy of recruiting high-profile European-based players as they seek to maintain domestic dominance and remain competitive in Asian and global competitions.
The signing would also add further depth to an already star-studded squad, as the Saudi Pro League continues to attract international attention with a series of big-money transfers.
World Cup 2026 breakthrough with the Netherlands
Summerville enhanced his reputation at the 2026 World Cup, where he impressed for the Netherlands despite not starting every match.
He scored two goals and provided two assists during the tournament, making a decisive impact whenever called upon and underlining his ability to influence games at the highest level.
His displays for the Dutch national team helped raise his profile significantly, adding to the interest from clubs outside Europe’s traditional top leagues.
Strong season at West Ham
Away from his national team exploits, Summerville enjoyed a solid campaign with West Ham United last season.
The 24-year-old featured in 34 matches for the London club, scoring seven goals and registering five assists in all competitions.
Those numbers, coupled with his versatility in attack, have made him an attractive option for Al Hilal as they look to refresh and strengthen their forward line.
Versatile attacking threat
Summerville’s main position is on the left wing, where he is known for his pace, direct running and ability to cut inside onto his stronger foot.
However, he can also operate on the right flank, as a central striker and, to a lesser extent, in a playmaker role behind the forwards, giving coaches considerable tactical flexibility.
At 24, he still has room for development, and Al Hilal will be hoping that his peak years coincide with the club’s ongoing push to establish itself as a global force in club football.
An official confirmation of the transfer, should all details be finalised as expected, is anticipated soon.
