Tim Steidten, Elland Road
(Credit: Imago)
Daniel Lewis
Fri 21 March 2025 8:40, UK
Tim Steidten may have left West Ham United earlier this year, but the hangover of his time in East London is still being felt.
West Ham parted company with Steidten on 4 February after a year-and-a-half of overseeing player recruitment at the London Stadium.
Steidten pulled off the odd credible signing, but the transfer activity during his tenure was largely disappointing.
And West Ham may now be forced into making a new payment to Leeds United as a result of a deal overseen by Steidten last summer.
Tim Steidten
West Ham director Steidten led the club’s recruitment
Crysencio Summerville could trigger new clause in contract
Summerville arrived from Leeds for a fee that could rise to £34million when add-ons are included.
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The upfront payment was far lower, with West Ham hoping they had pulled a quick one by inserting numerous add-ons.
One such add-on regarded Summerville’s international career, with a first senior cap for the Netherlands’ senior side so far eluding him as he approaches his 24th birthday.
However, Dutch newspaper Volkskrant has reported [18 March] that Summerville could switch allegiance to Suriname, which is the nationality of his parents.
Suriname are said to have already made contact with Summerville, but there are still some hurdles to overcome if he is to make the switch.
Crysencio Summerville
West Ham attacker Crysencio Summerville (Credit: Imago)
West Ham may have to pay Leeds further £4m
If Summerville is capped by Suriname, it will mean West Ham having to hand over another £4m to Leeds.
That is not exactly a small sum – indeed, it is enough to sign an upcoming player outright – and may well be something the Irons did not factor into budgeting.
Crysencio Summerville 2024-25
Games played 19
Games started 7
Goals scored 1
Goals assisted 1
Summerville’s Premier League record for West Ham in 2024-25
While Summerville being capped for the Netherlands was never exactly a wild thought, Steidten probably thought the £4m payment would be worth it if the winger was playing at such a level.
However, despite a pretty underwhelming debut campaign at the London Stadium, he could yet earn international recognition, albeit at a far lower level than the Dutch senior side.
With various other add-ons also included in the contract, it may well be that the full £34m is handed to Leeds before his time at the London Stadium is done.
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