The £190 million of player transfer fees still owed by West Ham United is likely to become the clubs’ millstone that drags down any promotion push next season if the Hammers board do not act and inject funds into the club this summer.
It seems to be the driving force behind the stories of ‘fire sales’ – the feared wholesale sell-off of seemingly most of the first team squad – to reduce the debt run up under David Sullivan’s chairmanship.
So when a transfer story pops up that would allow West Ham both to actively reduce this transfer debt and bring in funds in one deal it bears closer scrutiny. Amongst the interest in **Crysencio Summerville** – reportedly from Roma, Manchester United, Tottenham – take your pick- came a story from [sportsboom](https://www.sportsboom.co.uk/football/transfer-news/exclusive-cryscencio-summerville-return-as-leeds-target-west-ham-star-after-relegation-nightmare-collapse) that went under the radar but might just have some logic:
_“**Leeds United** are exploring the possibility of trying to lure Cryscencio Summerville back to Elland Road following West Ham’s relegation from the Premier League, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal…_
_Having agreed a long-term contract which could stretch until 2030, Nuno Espirito Santo’s employers are unlikely to have finished paying for the Dutchman._
_And that, as Roma also monitors his situation closely, could give Leeds a head start if they decide to pursue their interest, given that they could use West Ham’s debt to negotiate a fee below the £25m the Londoners paid to acquire his services.”_
Whilst [talkSPORT](https://talksport.com/football/4287507/crysencio-summerville-next-club-odds-italy-west-ham-relegation/#:~:text=Summerville%20has%20played%20for%20both,ahead%20of%20the%20new%20season.) seem to have _‘any Italian club_‘ as his most likely destination with Manchester United second favourites, both the head and heart would suggest a move ‘back home’ to his previous club might be both advantageous to West Ham’s debt reduction plans, and possibly appealing to the player.
Whichever route Summerville chooses, it is unlikely that a decision will be made ahead of the World Cup final next month. Netherlands are in action next week in their pre-tournament warm up so most players will cocoon themselves away from transfer talk until the serious business is over. Which gives likely suitors a decent amount of time to plan their strategy.
Seeing Summerville thrive anew in the Premier League with Leeds United might feel a teeny bit less painful for Hammers fans watching on next season: If Sullivan can get advantageous terms to reduce the mountain of transfer debt, then a move to Leeds might make sense for all.