Al-Hilal did not just beat Roma to Crysencio Summerville's signature this week — they made sure everyone knew it, turning their own announcement video into a pointed joke at the Italian club's expense.
The clip opened with the words "All roads lead to..." before the punchline landed: "Riyadh." It was a play on the old saying about Rome, and a not-so-subtle reminder of exactly which European giant had lost the race for the Dutch winger. ONE was among the outlets to flag the dig on Saturday.
The deal itself was substantial. Summerville completed his move from West Ham United on a four-year contract, with Sky Sports and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano both reporting an initial fee of around £55m that could climb past £60m with add-ons — one of the heftier fees paid by a Saudi Pro League club this window.
Roma's interest had been real and sustained. Manager Gian Piero Gasperini identified Summerville, alongside Manchester United and Marseille target Mason Greenwood, as a priority reinforcement for his attack, and the club lodged at least three separate offers for the winger. The last, according to Italian reports, was worth around €46m — well short of what Al-Hilal was ultimately prepared to pay.
It is the second big miss of the window for Gasperini's rebuild, with Roma sources describing Summerville as exactly the kind of direct, pacy wide player the coach wanted to add before the market shuts.
Summerville, 24, made his name at Feyenoord before four seasons in England, first at Leeds United and then West Ham, where he made 34 appearances last season. He also featured for the Netherlands at this summer's World Cup.
"Hi, Crysencio Summerville here. I can't wait to meet the Al Hilal fans, and my teammates, and can't wait to get started," he said in a message posted by the club alongside the announcement.
For Al-Hilal, already stocked with marquee arrivals in recent windows, the Summerville deal — and the cheeky campaign built around it — is the latest reminder of the financial gap the Saudi Pro League can now open on Serie A when it decides it wants a player badly enough.
