Manchester United was said to be Crysencio Summerville’s ‘preferred option’ before his mega-money move to Al Hilal this summer.
That’s according to The Athletic, which adds that the Red Devils’ potential pursuit of Summerville hinged on Marcus Rashford being sold.
United never materialised interest in Summerville with a bid
When Rashford’s £40 million release clause expired over a week ago, Summerville’s agents began exploring alternative options.
🚨 Marcus Rashford £40m exit clause for all bar #LFC & #MCFC ended July 15. Any #MUFC sale now must be negotiated. Returns to training after break; approaches will be considered (28yo already rejected more lucrative options), otherwise stays @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/kpDH86Xh0l
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 16, 2026
Tottenham Hotspur had reportedly established their interest in signing the 24-year-old, but he ruled out a move to West Ham’s London rivals out of respect for the club, with Mateus Fernandes making that same switch only a few weeks prior.
Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Borussia Dortmund were also among his suitors, though none of the sides made concrete offers when the window opened.
When Al Hilal then came in with an eye-watering proposal, both Summerville and the Irons found it too enticing to turn down.
How Summerville’s Saudi switch came to fruition
Reports had suggested United would only be willing to pay around £35 million for the Dutch international, who returned two goals and two assists in four appearances at the World Cup.
Two goals in two games for Crysencio Summerville 💫 pic.twitter.com/q01veFR1TR
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 20, 2026
However, Al Hilal opted to blow any competitors out of the water by submitting a £60m bid, which was swiftly accepted by West Ham.
As for the type of money Summerville will be pocketing, Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg estimates his newly-signed contract is worth up to £14.5m per year, equating to just under £300,000-a-week.
🚨📈 EXCL DET | Crysencio Summerville can earn up to €17 million NET per year, meaning up to €68 million NET over the course of his contract until 2030.
The 23 y/o winger signed the deal with Al Hilal last night. West Ham will receive a transfer fee of £65 million all-in.… pic.twitter.com/r5dyZWsUzZ
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 24, 2026
It goes without saying that there is absolutely no chance United would’ve been even remotely open to matching such fees, and rightly so.
Summerville, while still young and a promising prospect, has returned only 10 goals and eight assists in the 84 Premier League appearances he’s made for West Ham and Leeds United.
Read more: MUFC inflict transfer blows on top rivals as they complete triple midfield acquisition
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Isabel, 25, is a football writer who has previously gained experience in the industry as the editor of Stretty News, along with work on Caught Offside, Last Word on Football and Give Me Sport. She is now the editor of UtdReport.
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