Manchester United and Liverpool ‘spoke’ to Crysencio Summerville before €70m Al-Hilal move

Manchester United and Liverpool were among several major European clubs interested in Crysencio Summerville before his €70m (£60.7m) move from West Ham United to Al-Hilal, according to the winger’s personal trainer.

Summerville left West Ham in July, with Al-Hilal agreeing a deal reportedly worth €65m (£56.4m) plus a further €5m (£4.3m) in potential add-ons.

The 24-year-old had attracted attention after an impressive final season with the Hammers, scoring seven goals and providing five assists in 34 appearances.

His form also earned him a Netherlands debut in March before he impressed at the World Cup.

According to personal trainer Ivandro Monteiro, who ESPN NL describes as a “second father” to Summerville, some of Europe’s biggest clubs had been in contact.

“He told me that a lot of clubs were interested,” Monteiro told ESPN NL.

“Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Roma, Liverpool, Manchester United… all clubs that had spoken to him.”

The comments provide an interesting insight into the options Summerville reportedly had before choosing Saudi Arabia.

Manchester United and Liverpool were not alone. Monteiro also named Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Roma among the clubs that had spoken to the Netherlands international.

However, it is important to distinguish Monteiro’s account from evidence of formal transfer negotiations.

The information provided does not establish that Manchester United or Liverpool submitted bids to West Ham, nor does it reveal how advanced any discussions became.

What Monteiro claims is that those clubs had shown interest and spoken to Summerville before his move.

Roma’s interest had also previously been reported, but Al-Hilal ultimately won the race.

Monteiro says the financial package offered by Al-Hilal played a major role in the decision.

After Summerville explained what the Saudi club were prepared to pay both West Ham and the player, his trainer encouraged him to accept.

“I said immediately: ‘Boy, pack your bags and go. Don’t think about it’,” Monteiro explained.

His argument was that Summerville remains young enough to return to European football later in his career while taking on a different challenge now.

Monteiro also rejected the idea that moving away from one of Europe’s major leagues would necessarily prevent Summerville from developing.

“A club doesn’t automatically make you better,” he said, arguing that a player's individual commitment to training and improvement is ultimately more important.

Summerville has made a productive start at Al-Hilal, registering two goals and three assists across his first nine appearances.

Summerville’s immediate task is establishing himself as a major player for Al-Hilal after choosing Saudi Arabia despite reported interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

At 24, a future return to European football remains possible, and Monteiro clearly believes the move does not close that door.

Whether Manchester United or Liverpool revive their reported interest in the future will depend heavily on Summerville’s development and performances at Al-Hilal. For now, there is no indication in the supplied information that either Premier League club is actively pursuing another move.