After brief dalliances with Kerim Alajbegović, Alejandro Garnacho, Mason Greenwood and others, Roma has singled out West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville as their objective of affection this summer. While the talented 24-year-old is a superb fit for Gian Piero Gasperini’s brand of football, he hasn’t been an easy target to acquire, as evidenced by Roma’s on-and-off pursuit of the Dutch winger.
With the scars of Riyad Mahrez, Hakim Ziyech, Malcom, Jadon Sancho, and many other ill-fated pursuits plaguing
us, we’ve kept our emotions in check regarding Summerville. Not more than 12 hours ago, it seemed our reticence was well-earned, as despite reportedly striking an accord with Summerville, there was still the pesky matter of satisfying West Ham’s demands.
West Ham resoundingly rejected Roma’s initial bid, rumored to be in the region of €40 million plus add-ons, for a total package worth a reported €45 to €46 million. However, an important fact was lost amid all that back-and-forth: Summerville has a €53 million release clause, set to expire next week.
According to reports in Italy, including Il Tempo’s Filippo Biafora, the Giallorossi are prepared to trigger that clause.
That would be a massive, groundbreaking fee (for Roma) for a player coming off a season in which he scored only five goals and added two assists. It’s a sizeable gamble for Roma, but if Gasperini can draw out the 19-goal/9-assist performance Summerville delivered for Leeds in the Championship three years ago, it could pay off handsomely.
But make no mistake, by exceeding Roma’s transfer record by a full €10 million, Gasperini’s neck will be on the line.
