Crysencio Summerville says an instinctive belief in Al Hilal’s sporting project convinced him to leave West Ham United for the Saudi Pro League club in a deal worth more than €70m.
The Netherlands winger has signed a four-year contract with the Riyadh side, who confirmed the transfer on Friday, describing it as one of the biggest deals in the club’s recent history.
Summerville, unveiled through Al Hilal’s media channels, insisted his decision was not influenced by factors outside football, stressing that his “feeling” for the club and its ambitions was decisive.
He said his aims with the Saudi champions were clear from the moment talks began, targeting both domestic and continental success.
“I am very happy to wear the Al Hilal shirt, and my desire is to win every trophy and help the team regain the league and Asia first of all,” Summerville said.
Ambition to reclaim league and Asian titles
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Summerville underlined that returning Al Hilal to the top of the Saudi Pro League and re-establishing the club as a dominant force in Asian competitions are at the heart of his objectives over the next four seasons.
The 22-year-old said he wants to compete for “all possible titles” with a team he described as one of the biggest clubs in Asia.
Al Hilal, known locally as “Al Zaeem” (The Leader), are seeking to reclaim the Saudi top-flight crown in the coming campaign, as well as add to their record haul of continental trophies.
Message to Al Hilal supporters
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Summerville also used his first interview to send a direct message to Al Hilal’s supporters, calling on them to stand behind the team throughout the season.
He promised to do everything he can on the pitch to entertain the fans and translate their backing into victories.
“My goal is to make the fans happy by scoring and creating goals in every match,” he added. “I look forward to always seeing them in the stands because they give the team huge motivation to achieve wins.”
‘My feeling led me to Al Hilal’
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Explaining why he chose Al Hilal over other options, Summerville said the club’s interest made him feel valued and ultimately guided his decision.
He stressed that his emotional connection with the project was more important than any external considerations.
“When you know that a club of Al Hilal’s size is interested in you, you feel appreciated,” he said. “My feeling is what led me towards Al Hilal, and I hope to achieve everything with this great institution.”
Al Hilal will now look to integrate their latest high-profile signing quickly as they build towards a season in which domestic recovery and Asian glory have been set as clear priorities.
