West Ham United have signed Chrisencio Summerville from Leeds United.
Atlético Somerville will undergo a medical at West Ham before being able to fly to the United States to join the team on their pre-season tour.
Summerville has signed a five-year contract with the east London club until 2029. Leeds said in a statement that he was “on a contract for an undisclosed fee after the exit clause in his contract was triggered.”
The 22-year-old was a key part of Daniel Farke’s side last season, scoring 21 goals and providing nine assists and winning the league’s player of the year award.
Leeds missed out on promotion after finishing third in the Championship and then losing to Southampton in the play-off final. Summerville’s departure marks another notable departure for Leeds this summer after academy product Archie Gray, a key part of the FARC squad, joined Tottenham Hotspur for £40m.
Summerville joined Leeds from Feyenoord in 2020 and has scored 25 goals in 89 appearances for the club.
West Ham have been in the market to strengthen their forward areas this summer and are hoping to wrap up a deal for Borussia Dortmund striker Nicklas Fulkrug in time for their trip to America with Summerville.
Julen Lopetegui’s side have signed defender Max Kilman from Wolverhampton Wanderers, young Brazilian winger Luis Guillerme from Palmeiras and goalkeeper Wes Foderingham this summer ahead of next season.
GO DEEPER
“There is an opportunity to achieve great things” – the creation of Crysencio Summerville
Leeds will miss the magic of Summerville
Analysis by Leeds United Athletic reporter Nancy Froston
Summerville was instrumental in Leeds’ promotion last season and was recognised for an outstanding campaign with the EFL Championship Player of the Season award.
The Dutchman came alive, working in Farke’s system, operating down the left flank and regularly cutting inside.
He formed a fine partnership with Georginio Rutter, and the pair were as close as thieves, with Somerville bringing an exciting atmosphere to the Leeds dressing room.
Summerville’s dribbling ability and moments of quality in the team were very underrated. Last season, when Leeds were struggling, he would distribute the ball to the winger in the hope of a magic moment. He often played brilliantly with the ball.
There is still plenty of room for Summerville to grow, and there are rough edges to his game that could be improved if he wants to become a top player. But there is a reason he has attracted so much attention in this window and should command a significant price: Summerville has serious talent and potential.
