Game over for United as priority target signs contract to join another club – David Ornstein

Manchester United have missed out on attacking target Crysencio Summerville, who has completed a switch to Al-Hilal, the reliable David Ornstein has confirmed.

Summerville interest

United had expressed an interest in Summerville as part of the club’s efforts to bolster their forward options.

Summerville’s exit from West Ham was deemed inevitable following the Hammers’ relegation from the Premier League. After Mateus Fernandes’ exit to Tottenham Hotspur, Summerville was tipped to be the next major departure.

He made 34 outings in all competitions last term, registering seven goals and five assists. In total, since swapping Leeds United for West Ham in 2024, he has now clocked up 56 appearances for the club.

Summerville’s stock rose further in the World Cup due to his impressive performances in the World Cup. He netted twice and provided as many assists in four appearances for the Netherlands national team before their shock exit at the hands of Morocco in the Round of 32.

United made enquiries for the 24-year-old, but they were not alone in their interest. AS Roma lodged a €46m bid which was immediately rebuffed by West Ham. Then earlier this week, it emerged that Al-Hilal had stormed into the race for the player’s signature and struck an agreement with West Ham.

Al-Hilal are set to pay West Ham a fee just above €70m (£60m) for the United target. Now, Ornstein says that Summerville has signed his contract to get the transfer over the line.

Knockout blow

Ornstein writes for The Athletic, “The winger completed a medical in Amsterdam on Tuesday and has put pen to paper on the agreement.”

“His transfer is seen as a top priority for the club’s new ownership and for new sporting director Simon Francis, who joined this summer.”

“Summerville, alongside the other West Ham players who featured at this summer’s World Cup — including Tomas Soucek, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and El Hadji Malick Diouf — did not report back for pre-season training earlier this month as their preparations for the 2026-27 season got underway with a 1-1 draw against Southend United and behind-closed-doors fixture against Colchester United.”

Summerville’s contract at the London Stadium was due to expire in 2029.

He is not the only winger believed to be on United’s radar. Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr are also under consideration, though any move for such players is contingent on whether Marcus Rashford leaves.

Featured image Julian Finney via Getty Images


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Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!

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