Crysencio Summerville joined West Ham United during the summer transfer window. Now, more details are emerging about what led the Leeds United star to join the Hammers despite other Premier League clubs being keen.
The Dutch standout joined West Ham for a reported £25 million. Summerville had an impressive season with Leeds in the 2023-24 campaign, scoring 19 goals and providing nine assists, which earned him the PFA Championship Player of the Season award.
“I’m very happy, and I can’t wait to get started,” Summerville said in August upon joining West Ham. “It’s the perfect next step for my career. West Ham United is a huge Club, with lots of ambition and great players, so I’m really excited to be here and to get going.
“I always try to follow my heart, and I had the feeling that this is the best place for me to continue developing as a player, and to push my potential as much as possible.
“There is so much history here, and the team have done so well in the Premier League and in Europe over recent years. I spoke to the Head Coach, and he convinced me that I could make an impact, and help achieve success in the new season.”
Additionally, he was named Leeds United’s Player of the Season. Leeds United also lost Georginio Rutter to Brighton as the Seagulls activated the Frenchman’s release clause of £40 million. So, the Whites’ attack was depleted this past summer.
The latest reason for Crysencio Summerville’s exit emerges
On Tuesday, The Athletic noted that West Ham United’s sales pitch was the difference in the former Leeds United star’s decision to reject interest from Chelsea and Liverpool.
Securing playing time was crucial for Summerville, especially since neither he nor the other players were looked upon favorably because of the number of wingers in their squads. This is where the Hammers swooped in with their words to woo the player.
“Their new head coach Julen Lopetegui assured Summerville, who eventually signed from Leeds United for £25million ($32m), of game time,” The Athletic stated.
“John Heitinga, West Ham’s former assistant first-team coach, also helped convince him to join the east Londoners and, as mentioned previously, technical director Tim Steidten challenged him to become a success, like the club’s 2023 summer signings Edson Alvarez and Mohammed Kudus have done.”
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