On Saturday afternoon, West Ham United announced the permanent signing of Crysencio Summerville from Leeds United, in a transaction believed to cost more than £30 million with add-ons.
Summerville, 22, drew interest from a number of Premier League clubs this summer after earning the Championship’s Player of the Season title last season, scoring 21 goals and setting up another 10.
The Netherlands U21 ace is expected to cost West Ham an initial £25 million, with Leeds potentially earning a further £9 million in add-on fees. Leeds might earn an additional £5 million through performance-related add-ons.
The remaining £4 million is expected to be owed when Summerville earns his first Netherlands cap. However, Leeds acknowledged on social media that West Ham had exercised a clause in Summerville’s Leeds contract.
Summerville says goodbye to Leeds with a poignant message.
The little winger played four years at Elland Road. Summerville, who was signed as a teenager from Feyenoord in 2020, began his career in West Yorkshire with the U21s but rapidly rose through the ranks to the senior squad.
Summerville only received a meaningful shot in the senior team once Jesse Marsch arrived, and he scored goals in the Premier League. However, upon relegation, he elected to remain with Leeds and quickly established himself as a key player.
Summerville was always expected to depart Leeds after the Whites were defeated in the play-off final by Southampton following his outstanding 2023-24 season. He paid tribute to Leeds on Instagram after four years.
He stated, “I came here as a young lad with hopes and dreams, and I believed in what LUFC could do for my career. I can now boldly claim that I could not have made a better selection four years ago.
“My teammates, coaches, club staff, everyone linked with the club, and the formidable Leeds army have made me feel at home and pushed me to my limits. I’d like to thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
“For everything you’ve done to help my development as a player, as well as the moments we’ve enjoyed. I’ll carry it with me wherever I go and it holds a particular place in my heart. I wish you all the best in the upcoming season.
“Thank you again, Leeds family, for everything. “Keep Marching On Together.”
How Brenden Aaronson and Willy Gnonto responded
Aaronson, the USA standout, returns and could be chosen to replace Summerville, who started both games in Germany on the left. Against Valencia, however, Gnonto was assigned to the left wing.
Gnonto and Summerville are known for being inseparable, even living together. According to reports, Summerville’s departure does not guarantee that Gnonto will leave Elland Road this summer.
Many current Leeds players replied to Summerville’s Instagram post, including new signing Jayden Bogle. Gnonto uploaded a sequence of emojis, including a paperclip and a sobbing face.
