Somerville set for €65m Al Hilal move as Saudi reporter disputes €80m fee

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 reports of an €80m deal.

Hamad Al-Sweilh confirmed on X that the Riyadh giants have moved decisively for the 24-year-old, offering the Premier League club around €65m and the player a salary package worth €12m per year.

The transfer, if finalised, would make Summerville one of the most expensive signings in Saudi Pro League history, underlining Al Hilal’s determination to further strengthen a squad already stacked with international stars.

Confusion over reported fee

Earlier reports in local and international media had claimed Al Hilal were closing in on Summerville for a fee of around €80m, which would have made him the second most expensive player in the history of the Saudi league.

Al-Sweilh moved quickly to challenge those figures, writing on his personal X account:
“عرض الهلال لنادي وست هام الانجليزي بلغ حوالي 65 مليون يورو، فيما تم تقديم عرض مقابل 12 مليون يورو سنويا للاعب”.

His clarification indicates that while the deal remains huge by regional standards, it falls short of the eye-catching €80m previously circulated.

Medical completed and contract imminent

Al-Sweilh had earlier revealed that Summerville has already undergone medical examinations requested by Al Hilal in recent hours, after agreeing in principle to join the Saudi champions.

With personal terms understood to be in place and the medical checks completed, the Netherlands international is expected to sign a long-term contract with Al Hilal within hours, pending final paperwork between the clubs.

An official announcement from Al Hilal is anticipated once all formalities are concluded, with the club keen to unveil Summerville as one of the marquee arrivals of the current transfer window.

World Cup breakout with the Netherlands

Summerville’s name rose to global prominence at the 2026 World Cup, despite not being a guaranteed starter in every match for the Dutch national side.

Operating primarily from wide areas, he scored two goals and provided two assists during the tournament, showcasing the direct running, close control and finishing ability that have made him an attractive target for clubs outside Europe’s traditional elite.

His performances with the Oranje added to a growing reputation that had already been built in domestic and European competition.

Standout season with West Ham

Away from international duty, Summerville delivered an impressive campaign with West Ham United last season.

He featured in 34 matches in all competitions for the London club, scoring seven goals and registering five assists. His contributions were seen as an important part of West Ham’s attacking output, particularly given his versatility across the front line.

Although naturally a left winger, Summerville is also comfortable playing on the right flank. He can additionally operate as a central striker or as a No.10 in a more withdrawn playmaking role, albeit less frequently.

Al Hilal continue big-name recruitment drive

Should the transfer be completed at the reported €65m fee, Summerville would join a growing list of high-profile European-based players lured to Saudi Arabia in recent windows.

Al Hilal, already a dominant force in domestic and continental competitions, are aiming to add further pace and creativity to their attacking options as they target more silverware at home and in Asia.

The move would also mark another major step in Summerville’s career, swapping the Premier League and European football for a leading role in one of the most ambitious projects in world football.