West Ham United have completed the signing of Crysencio Summerville from Leeds United.
The Athletic reported Summerville was set to undergo a medical at West Ham with a view to him flying out to the United States to join the squad on their pre-season tour.
Summerville has joined the east London club a five-year contract that will run until 2029. Leeds said in a statement that he has departed “for an undisclosed fee, after an exit clause within his contract was triggered.”
“I’m very happy, and I can’t wait to get started,” Summerville said.
“It’s the perfect next step for my career. West Ham United is a huge club, with lots of ambition and great players, so I’m really excited to be here and to get going.
“I always try to follow my heart, and I had the feeling that this is the best place for me to continue developing as a player, and to push my potential as much as possible.
Summerville was a key player for Leeds last season (Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
“There is so much history here, and the team have done so well in the Premier League and in Europe over recent years. I spoke to the head coach, and he convinced me that I could make an impact, and help achieve success in the new season.
“I think I’m here to help write more history here, and I’d love to help West Ham get back into Europe. I want to contribute lots of goals and assists, and I’m so excited to meet my team-mates and the fans, and get out there now.”
The 22-year-old was an important part of Daniel Farke’s team last season, providing 21 goals and nine assists and winning the Championship player of the year award.
Leeds narrowly missed out on promotion after finishing third in the Championship and then losing the Southampton in the play-off final. Summerville’s exit represents another significant departure for Leeds this summer after academy product Archie Gray, a similarly important part of Farke’s side, joined Tottenham Hotspur in a £40million deal.
Summerville moved to Leeds from Feyenoord in 2020 and scored 25 goals in 89 appearances for the club.
West Ham have been in the market to strengthen in forward areas this summer and are hopeful of a deal being completed for Borussia Dortmund striker Niclas Fullkrug in time for him to travel to the U.S. with Summerville.
Julen Lopetegui’s side have already signed defender Max Kilman from Wolverhampton Wanderers, Brazilian teenage winger Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras and goalkeeper Wes Foderingham this summer ahead of the upcoming season.
GO DEEPER
‘The potential is there to achieve big things’ – the making of Crysencio Summerville
Leeds will miss Summerville’s moments of magic
Analysis from The Athletic’s Leeds United correspondent Nancy Froston
Summerville was crucial to Leeds’ promotion push last season and was recognised for a standout campaign with the EFL’s Championship player of the season award.
The Dutchman came alive working in Farke’s system, operating off the left flank and regularly cutting inside.
He formed a good partnership with Georginio Rutter and the pair were thick as thieves off it too, with Summerville bringing a lively atmosphere to the Leeds dressing room.
Summerville’s dribbling ability and moments of quality would be sorely missed in the team. At points last season when Leeds were struggling they fed the ball wide to the winger in the hope of a moment of magic. He so often came through with brilliance on the ball.
There is still plenty of room for Summerville to grow and there are rough edges to his game that could be refined if he is to become a top player. But there is a reason that he has garnered so much attention this window and should attract a considerable price tag: Summerville has serious talent and potential.
(George Tewkesbury/PA Images via Getty Images)
