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No, the clocks have not mysteriously rolled back to the summer of 2023, but the Saudi Pro League is once again making waves in the transfer market with some jaw-dropping moves.
Just as the extravagance of previous years seemed to be winding down with the Kingdom scaling back expenditure across various sporting sectors, reports have surfaced claiming that Crysencio Summerville is the target of a $91.4 million (£68 million, €80 million) offer from Al Hilal.
The Dutch international put together a solid individual campaign despite West Ham United's eventual Premier League relegation. His tally of seven goals and five assists was sufficient to earn him a spot on the Netherlands' World Cup squad, where he contributed to four goals across as many matches.
Both Manchester United and Chelsea had been connected with the tricky winger, who is equally effective on either flank, while Roma looked set to outbid both clubs with an offer of around $56 million. Then Al Hilal stepped in.
News of this staggering deal was first reported by The Athletic. While a medical still needs to be completed, it is widely expected that an official announcement is imminent. Corriere dello Sport's Eleonora Trotta reported that Summerville has been presented with a four-year deal carrying an annual salary in the range of $13.7–17.1 million. Roma were believed to have tabled just $4.6 million.
This would be a landmark signing. No Saudi Pro League club has invested this level of money in a single player since Al Hilal themselves spent over $100 million to secure Neymar Jr. back in 2023.
Only time will tell whether this signals the beginning of another era of lavish spending for a league that already boasts names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Sadio Mané, but it will certainly have ramifications for the two Premier League clubs that had been pursuing Summerville.
What Next for Man Utd, Chelsea?
Manchester United have arguably already addressed their need for a left winger—even if the club's leadership isn't entirely satisfied with the outcome. Following the expiration of Marcus Rashford's buyout clause, the United academy product is poised to return to Old Trafford, at least for preseason after his post-World Cup break.
Michael Carrick's former colleague demonstrated his ability to deliver consistent attacking contributions at the highest level during last season's loan stint at Barcelona. Hansi Flick ultimately chose Anthony Gordon over his compatriot due to reservations about Rashford's defensive work rate. Nevertheless, given that United have so far flourished under a more reactive approach with their interim coach, a reluctance to press high may not be as problematic at Old Trafford.
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More pressing is the hefty wage demands Rashford carries—which have only grown following United's Champions League qualification. The Red Devils have been linked with several alternative wing options, most notably Everton's Iliman Ndiaye, who would fit the club's recent pattern of acquiring Premier League-tested talent. However, any incoming signing will first hinge on Rashford's departure.
Chelsea also appear more preoccupied with offloading players than bringing new ones in. Having secured a record-breaking deal for Morgan Rogers, the urgency for a new left winger has been considerably reduced. The primary challenge now is moving on the troublesome forward Alejandro Garnacho—a situation Manchester United are already well acquainted with regarding the unpredictable Argentine.