Leeds United stepped up their summer business last week by completing a £34m move for Tarik Muharemovic, taking their total to two signings ahead of the new season.
The Bosnia international arrives as Pascal Struijk’s replacement following the Dutchman’s move to Brighton, giving Daniel Farke another commanding option at the heart of his defence.
Leeds have also strengthened in attack with the free signing of Harry Wilson, but the recruitment drive is far from finished. The Whites are still targeting another centre-back and have already drawn up a shortlist of candidates.
There is also plenty happening away from Elland Road. Several former Leeds players could be on the move before the transfer window closes, with one ex-White now in line for a big-money switch.
Read More: Saudi club complete £60m hijack of deal for ex-Leeds United star
Former Leeds United star set to earn eye-watering amount after completing transfer
There were rumours of Crysencio Summerville returning to Leeds following West Ham’s relegation last season. However, it became clear that he would be beyond the Whites’ financial reach.
Earlier this week, Roma believed they had reached an agreement to sign the winger from West Ham after the Hammers accepted their third offer.
However, Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal hijacked the move by offering a £60m fee to West Ham and tabled a massive contract offer to the ex-Leeds winger.
Summerville took his time to decide between Roma and Al-Hilal, but ultimately the offer from the Saudi side was too good to turn down.
He was on a salary of around £50,000 per week at West Ham and is set to earn close to five times that figure in Saudi Arabia.
Once the deal is announced, the winger will be on a contract worth close to £250,000 per week at Al-Hilal.
Roma never went close to making such an offer, and no Premier League club would have been prepared to match those wages, even in this inflated market.
Crysencio Summerville chose money
The Saudi Pro League is making rapid progress, but it still falls well short of matching the quality and prestige of Europe’s top five leagues.
Crysencio Summerville had suitors in the Premier League such as Manchester United, and a transfer to Roma would have been a big move for him.
The Serie A giants are in the Champions League, and the Italian league would have suited the ex-Leeds United winger.
His career appeared to be on an upward trajectory after an impressive second half of last season at West Ham, followed by a strong World Cup campaign with the Netherlands.
However, the winger has chosen financial security over a move to Italy at this stage of his career.
Good luck to Crysencio in his career choices but the feeling that he has been seduced by the financial side of the deal is obvious. Having broken into the Netherlands squad he may find the less competitive Saudi Pro league will not enhance his chances of regular selection.