Saudi bid eclipses Roma offer

The development forces AS Roma to abandon their pursuit of the winger. The Serie A side had negotiated a deal worth approximately €50 million including add-ons with West Ham and agreed personal terms with Summerville at €4 million annually. However, Al-Hilal’s intervention created an insurmountable financial gap.

The Saudi club’s package totals roughly €140 million when combining the €80 million transfer fee with wages approaching €60 million over the contract duration. This salary offer is nearly four times higher than Roma’s proposal. The Giallorossi subsequently withdrew, with sources indicating they would not enter a bidding war. Netherlands teammate Donyell Malen reportedly made a final attempt to persuade Summerville to choose Rome, but the disparity in terms proved decisive.

West Ham relegation prompts sale

Summerville’s departure follows West Ham’s relegation from the Premier League last season. The Dutch winger scored seven goals and provided five assists in 34 appearances after arriving from Leeds United, but could not prevent the club’s drop to the Championship. The transfer fee now provides vital funds as the east London club rebuilds for second-tier football.

Giallorossi turn to Nusa

With the Summerville deal now off, Roma will target RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa to bolster their attacking options. Meanwhile, Aston Villa—previously linked with Summerville—have shifted their focus to Chelsea’s Alejandro Garnacho, lodging an enquiry regarding a loan arrangement with an option to purchase.

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AS Roma are finalising an improved offer of approximately €46 million for West Ham United winger Crysencio Summerville after their opening proposal was rejected, according to Sky Sport Italia and transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano.

The Giallorossi initially tabled €40m plus €5m in add-ons, but West Ham dismissed that bid and are reportedly demanding €50m. Rome-based journalist Eleonora Trotta suggests the revised offer could be structured as €45m plus €5m in bonuses, with the Serie A side expecting a response by early this week.

Release Clause Confusion and Time Pressure

Negotiations are complicated by uncertainty surrounding Summerville’s release clause. Il Tempo newspaper and English sources value the clause at €53m, while transfer pundit Alfredo Pedullà insists it is below €50m. The clause reportedly expires within two days, forcing Roma to act swiftly.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has publicly criticised the club’s slow progress in the transfer market, warning that delays risk missing targets. West Ham’s relegation from the Premier League makes the sale of their key assets financially inevitable, though they hope to maximise returns.

Personal Terms Secured Amid Rival Interest

Summerville has already agreed personal terms with Roma, with reports indicating a contract worth €4m per season plus bonuses. The 24-year-old Dutch international scored seven goals and provided five assists in 34 appearances last season.

Despite Roma’s advances, they face competition from Galatasaray, Manchester United and Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. Should the deal materialise, Summerville would join fellow Netherlands forward Donyell Malen to form a Dutch attacking partnership in the Italian capital.

The Bundesliga side had identified Álvarez as a target for the summer window, yet the overall cost of the transfer remains prohibitive at this stage. Benfica’s emergence as a rival suitor now complicates Köln’s pursuit, though the German club are yet to abandon their attempts to strike a deal.

Benfica’s search for midfield reinforcements

The Lisbon giants appear to have turned their attention to the 28-year-old after pursuing Bayern Munich‘s João Palhinha proved unsuccessful. With the Portuguese midfielder deemed out of Benfica’s financial reach, the club has identified Álvarez as a viable alternative to strengthen their midfield ahead of the new campaign.

Loan spell and current status

Álvarez spent the 2024-25 season on loan at Turkish side Fenerbahçe, where he made 12 appearances in the Süper Lig. The temporary move followed a frustrating spell at the London Stadium, where the defensive midfielder struggled to secure regular first-team football after joining from Ajax.

His performances in Turkey have reignited interest from mainland Europe, with both Benfica and Köln now monitoring his availability as they seek to reinforce their squads.

What happens next

West Ham are understood to be open to permanent offers for the player as they continue to reshape their squad. However, with two clubs now actively competing, the Hammers may hold out for improved terms or await formal bids.

Benfica’s financial advantage over Köln could prove decisive in any negotiations, though the German side retain hope of reviving their pursuit should West Ham lower their demands. The next week is likely to prove crucial in determining whether Álvarez moves to Portugal, returns to Germany with Köln, or faces an uncertain future back in London.

The meeting between Summerville’s agents and Roma executives took place in the Italian capital on Monday morning, lasting approximately one hour according to transfer journalist Alfredo Pedullà. During the discussions, Roma confirmed their interest in acquiring the winger but communicated that these ceiling figures represent non-negotiable limits for the deal to proceed.

Summerville currently plays for West Ham, though he has drawn attention from other clubs within the Premier League. Despite this domestic interest, Pedullà reports that no English sides are presently engaged in advanced negotiations for his signature. This lack of concrete rival bids from within England could strengthen Roma’s position, provided the player is willing to relocate to Italy and West Ham accept the proposed valuation.

The Giallorossi are now awaiting a definitive response from both the player’s camp and West Ham, with an answer anticipated within hours. The urgency of the situation reflects Roma’s desire to conclude their transfer business efficiently, though they appear unwilling to compromise on their budgetary constraints even for a long-term target.

The presence of Summerville’s agents in Rome since Monday is linked to another high-profile transaction. They landed in the Italian capital alongside defender Danilo Doekhi, who is reportedly on the verge of completing a move to Lazio. This dual representation explains the timing of the Summerville talks, allowing the representatives to handle multiple Serie A transfer discussions during a single trip.

The financial parameters outlined by Roma reflect the economic realities facing many Serie A clubs. A €40 million ceiling for a player of Summerville’s profile suggests the Giallorossi are prepared to invest significantly, but only within structured limits that protect the club’s wage bill. The €4 million annual salary cap further demonstrates their commitment to maintaining sustainable spending patterns while attempting to compete for high-calibre talent.

• Manchester United stand to retain £10 million following Ruben Amorim’s expected appointment at AC Milan
• Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea are closely watching Lille’s teenage Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi
• Chelsea have identified Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix as a key defensive target
• West Ham United’s majority shareholder insists relegation will not force the sale of star players like Jarrod Bowen
• Former Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski is considering a move to Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer

Manchester United are set to benefit financially from coaching changes in Italy. Ruben Amorim, who recently left Old Trafford, is ready to take charge at AC Milan. This development means the Red Devils may avoid paying up to ten million pounds in compensation fees.

Across London, Chelsea are planning defensive improvements for next season. The Blues have made Maxence Lacroix a priority signing. The French defender currently plays for Crystal Palace and has attracted attention with solid displays at the back.

The battle for emerging talent is also heating up. Three major English clubs are scouting Ayyoub Bouaddi. The eighteen-year-old Moroccan plays for Lille and has impressed observers with his mature performances in midfield.

West Ham United face a challenging period after dropping into the Championship. However, club owner Daniel Kretinsky has eased supporter worries. He states the east London club will not auction their best performers despite relegation. This follows speculation about departures for Jarrod Bowen and Mateus Fernandes.

Nevertheless, United’s attempt to sign Fernandes faces difficulties. West Ham have placed an eighty-million-pound valuation on the midfielder. United have warned they will abandon the deal if the Hammers refuse to reduce the asking price.

Elsewhere, Newcastle United are preparing for a significant exit. Steve Nickson, their head of recruitment, will leave St James’ Park after fifteen years. His departure marks a major shift in the Magpies’ scouting operations.

Overseas, veteran striker Robert Lewandowski faces a career decision. The Polish forward has received a formal offer from Chicago Fire. The Major League Soccer side hope to bring the thirty-six-year-old to the United States.

On the international scene, Gareth Southgate has explained his World Cup absence. The former England boss rejected television punditry roles during the tournament. He preferred to stay quiet and avoid distracting the current national team.

Finally, World Cup regulations have drawn fire from Virgil van Dijk. The Liverpool captain argues that hydration breaks serve commercial purposes rather than player health. He believes these stoppages mainly provide advertising opportunities.

• Manchester United lead the chase for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes
• West Ham demand £80m but may reduce price due to financial troubles after relegation
• Real Madrid, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain also interested in the Portuguese star
• Hammers must raise over £100m from player sales this summer window
• Everton eyeing Argentinian forward Taty Castellanos as West Ham exodus begins

Manchester United have moved ahead of rival clubs in the battle to capture Mateus Fernandes. The Red Devils want to bring the West Ham United midfielder to Old Trafford. They hope to strengthen Michael Carrick’s squad before the new season starts.

Arsenal, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain all want the 25-year-old. However, sources say United have made the first serious approach. The club is ready to open talks with the Hammers.

West Ham want £80 million for the player. But they might have to accept less money. The club dropped down to the Championship last month. They lost £104.2 million last year. Now they must sell players for over £100 million this summer to balance their books.

Fernandes is one of their most valuable assets. He moved from Southampton to West Ham for £38 million last summer. Many big clubs are watching him now.

United need new midfielders urgently. Casemiro left for nothing at the end of his contract. The club has already bought Éderson from Atalanta. They see Fernandes as the next key signing.

Most people think United is his top choice if he stays in England. But Real Madrid could try to sign him. José Mourinho is their new manager again. United do not want to lose this player to their old boss.

Arsenal believe the £80 million price is too expensive. United feel more positive about the deal. They also like Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. But Manchester City will probably pay more for him than United can. Fernandes fits their budget better.

Many stars will leave West Ham after relegation. Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville also have many offers. Summerville might become more famous if he plays well for the Netherlands at the World Cup. Meanwhile, Everton want Argentinian striker Taty Castellanos.

• Daniel Kretinsky will increase his ownership from 27% to 43%, becoming West Ham’s largest shareholder.
• Current largest shareholder David Sullivan resigned as director following allegations of sexual misconduct.
• West Ham faces severe financial trouble after relegation from the Premier League and needs to raise over £100 million.
• The Independent Football Regulator may force Sullivan to sell his remaining 38.8% stake.
• Kretinsky and Vanessa Gold issued a statement expressing concern over the allegations against Sullivan.

Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky is preparing to become the largest shareholder at West Ham United. He has agreed to buy more shares from the Gold family. This move will increase his stake from 27% to 43%.

The change comes after David Sullivan stepped down as a director and co-chair last weekend. Sullivan faces serious allegations from seven women. They accuse him of abusing his power and pressuring them for sex during the 1980s and 1990s. The Times newspaper and BBC Panorama reported these claims. Sullivan strongly denies all accusations.

Kretinsky, who owns the Royal Mail, originally bought into West Ham in 2021. He paid £150 million for shares from Sullivan and the late David Gold. Now, he is buying part of Vanessa Gold’s 25% stake. Vanessa inherited these shares when her father David Gold died in January 2023.

The club currently faces a major financial crisis. West Ham dropped down to the Championship last month after relegation from the Premier League. The club lost £104.2 million last year. They must raise more than £100 million through player sales. This means key players like Jarrod Bowen could leave. The club also lacks a sporting director. Max Hahn, the head of technical recruitment, has also quit.

Sullivan owned 38.8% of the club and was its most powerful figure. However, the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) is now investigating him. The IFR has the power to force Sullivan to sell his shares. This would happen if they decide he fails the honesty and integrity test for football club owners. Tara Warren, a non-executive director at the IFR, has removed herself from this investigation. She previously worked as a senior director at West Ham until February this year.

Kretinsky and Vanessa Gold released a joint statement on Saturday. They said they were “deeply concerned” about the allegations. They praised the courage of the women who spoke out. The statement also revealed new details about Sullivan’s position. The board only learned on May 21st that the story would be published. They also discovered that the Football Association had restricted Sullivan since 2023. He cannot interact with the women’s team or youth teams. This followed a historical complaint from the 1980s, which Sullivan denies. Surprisingly, the women’s team did not know about these restrictions.

Kretinsky and Gold want to stabilize the club. They plan to provide fresh funds to help manager Nuno Espirito Santo. The goal is to keep key players and achieve immediate promotion back to the Premier League. They stated that 1890 Holdings, part of Kretinsky’s EP Group, will become the largest shareholder. This will allow them to provide the necessary financing to secure the club’s future.

• West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes selects Manchester United ahead of Arsenal
• United captain Bruno Fernandes personally recommends compatriot to board
• Crystal Palace ready to meet £20m valuation for Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney
• Manchester City enquire about Chelsea defender Malo Gusto
• Arsenal target Club Brugge forward Christos Tzolis as alternative option

Manchester United have taken the lead in the race to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United. The midfielder has informed the Hammers that he prefers a move to Old Trafford over Arsenal. This represents a significant blow to the Gunners’ transfer plans.

United captain Bruno Fernandes has personally recommended the deal to the club’s board. He has spoken highly of his fellow countryman. Technical director Jason Wilcox is also pushing hard for the transfer. He previously signed Fernandes during his time at Southampton.

Arsenal are now considering alternatives. The North London club are monitoring Christos Tzolis of Club Brugge. The Greek forward has impressed in Belgium.

Elsewhere, Manchester City have made enquiries about Chelsea defender Malo Gusto. The Premier League champions need cover at right-back. City are also tracking Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite alongside Manchester United and Bayern Munich.

Crystal Palace are prepared to meet Middlesbrough’s £20 million valuation for Hayden Hackney. The Eagles face competition from Everton for the midfielder’s signature.

Nottingham Forest are monitoring Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi. The Italian appears set to leave the San Siro this summer. Newcastle United have submitted an official bid to Osasuna for winger Victor Munoz.

Barcelona continue to monitor Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez as they search for attacking options. However, defender Jules Kounde intends to remain at the Camp Nou. The French international is content with life in Spain.

Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid have opened talks regarding South Korean winger Lee Kang-In. Finally, Premier League referee Michael Oliver has withdrawn from the World Club Cup due to injury. He was scheduled to officiate the match between Ecuador and Ivory Coast.

• Mateus Fernandes faces an uncertain future at West Ham following their relegation from the Premier League
• Manchester United, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are all monitoring the Portuguese midfielder
• The 20-year-old has suffered consecutive top-flight demotions with Southampton and West Ham
• Former coach Simon Rusk highlights his exceptional tackling, work rate and coachability as key assets
• Fernandes ranks among the Premier League’s best for distance covered and defensive duels won

Top European clubs are circling West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes, even though the Portuguese midfielder has suffered back-to-back Premier League relegations. Manchester United, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain have all registered interest in the 20-year-old, raising questions about what makes him attractive despite these setbacks.

Few footballers secure transfers to elite sides after consecutive demotions. Yet Fernandes continues to draw attention from major teams across the continent. This summer marks the third consecutive year that the midfielder could change clubs.

Two seasons ago, he featured for a struggling Southampton side that finished near the bottom. Even so, he commanded a £38 million transfer fee when joining West Ham. Now, following another drop to the Championship, his value remains high in the eyes of scouts from Old Trafford, the Emirates Stadium and the Parc des Princes.

The current transfer window offers numerous midfield options. Players such as Elliot Anderson, Enzo Fernandez and Sandro Tonali are available. However, Fernandes stands out as a compelling alternative. His statistics reveal why managers rate him so highly.

During the previous campaign, the Portugal youth international established himself as one of the division’s most combative tacklers. He consistently wins possession back through forceful but fair challenges. Simon Rusk, who worked closely with the player at Southampton, believes this aggression defines his style.

“Both speaking to him and observing him, I could see that would be a feature in his game – and a strength,” Rusk explained. The coach served as interim manager at St Mary’s following the club’s relegation.

Beyond his defensive robustness lies incredible stamina. Fernandes features in the top ten for distance covered among Premier League midfielders. He combines physical endurance with tactical discipline, making him an ideal box-to-box operator.

Initially, Southampton recruited him as an attacking number ten under Russell Martin. However, Fernandes viewed himself differently. Through discussions with coaching staff, he expressed a preference for a deeper role.

“He saw himself as more of an all-round midfield player, more of a No 8,” Rusk recalled. “What Matty wanted to do, he wanted to run. He wanted to be involved in the game as much as possible.”

West Ham utilised this versatility last season, deploying him as a hybrid between a defensive six and a box-to-box eight. Graham Potter and Nuno Espirito Santo both trusted him to anchor the centre of the pitch.

Although team results proved disappointing, Fernandes maintained professional standards throughout. Rusk praises his mental resilience and positive influence within the dressing room.

“He was a fantastic lad to work with,” Rusk noted. “I think he was mentally tough, but he’d be hurt. I could see how much it hurt him, the relegation at Southampton.”

The midfielder moved to England aged nineteen, adapting quickly to a new country and language. Since arriving, he has started nearly every match available to him. Only suspension, his debut appearances and one substitute appearance prevented a perfect attendance record.

“You’re looking at a 20-year-old, he’s landed in the Premier League and plays week in, week out,” Rusk added. “There was a level of maturity about him without any shadow of a doubt.”

Coaches also highlight his capacity to learn quickly. Rusk recalls working with Fernandes before a fixture against Tottenham Hotspur, drilling him on timing runs into the penalty area. The midfielder scored during that match by applying these instructions immediately.

“The best players I’ve worked with, they learn quick,” Rusk stated. “You tell them something and the penny drops quite quickly.”

One area requiring improvement is goal production. He managed five goals and five assists last term – respectable figures for a relegated team, but below the output expected of a complete midfielder. If he develops this aspect, he could become one of Europe’s most well-rounded players.

With Manchester United leading the chase, the coming weeks could see Fernandes achieve an remarkable career turnaround. From back-to-back relegations to potentially joining a Champions League giant, his journey defies conventional football logic.

• David Sullivan has been barred from West Ham United’s women’s and youth teams since 2023 due to safeguarding issues
• The Football Association launched an investigation into the co-owner’s conduct three years ago
• Sullivan resigned as co-chairman and director just before the publication of new misconduct allegations
• Multiple women have accused the 77-year-old of sexual misconduct and abusing his power

West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan has not been allowed to contact the club’s women’s or youth teams for the past three years. The Football Association started a safeguarding investigation in 2023 after receiving reports about his behaviour.

A special safeguarding group made up of club officials, the FA, and the local council decided to stop Sullivan from meeting these teams. He cannot watch their matches either. This ban is still active today.

Sullivan remains the club’s biggest shareholder. However, he quit his job as co-chairman and director on Saturday. He left his post just before the BBC and The Times published a joint investigation.

Several women have accused the billionaire of sexual misconduct. They claim he used his power to pressure them into sex. The women were in their late teens or early twenties at the time. They were young models looking for work at Sullivan’s newspapers, the Daily and Sunday Sport.

The accusations cover many decades. During this time, Sullivan built his fortune through adult entertainment, newspapers, and football. Eight women have reported him to the police. However, officers have not charged him in any of these cases.

The Metropolitan Police said they take such reports very seriously. They promised to look at all information carefully.

The Independent Football Regulator has also got involved. They contacted West Ham about the “extremely serious allegations”. They want urgent information about whether Sullivan is suitable to own a football club.

Politicians have reacted strongly to the news. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s spokesman called the women’s stories “harrowing”. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy described them as “utterly horrifying”. She demanded a full explanation from the FA and West Ham about why no further action was taken.

Labour MP Alex Davies-Jones called for a review. She wants to know how the police and football authorities handled the case.

Both West Ham and the FA said they have strong safeguarding rules. However, they refused to talk about individual cases.

Sullivan denies all the allegations. In his resignation statement, he said the claims were “factually incorrect and entirely false”. He called the investigation “fundamentally unfair”.

The 77-year-old spent his career building businesses in the adult industry. He said it is “sadly inevitable” that some women would make false claims against him after meeting thousands of women over the years.

Sullivan served as joint chairman for 16 years. He became the largest single shareholder in January 2023 after his business partner David Gold died.