In early June, the London club sold midfielder Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham for $113 million. This transfer marked the most expensive sale in West Ham's history and Tottenham's second-highest value signing.

One month later, Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal acquired Summerville for $80 million. These two transfers collectively brought in $193 million, making summer 2026 West Ham's highest-earning transfer window in club history.

West Ham midfielder Crysencio Summerville (number 7) looks disappointed after a loss to Newcastle in the final Premier League round at St James' Park, Newcastle, England on 17/5. Photo: Reuters

This record surpasses the previous one set in summer 2023, when the East London club generated $178 million from player sales. Notably, the transfer of Declan Rice to Arsenal alone accounted for approximately $133 million of that revenue.

According to The Telegraph, West Ham needed to raise approximately £150 million ($200 million) to balance their finances. Their relegation from the Premier League led to a revenue loss of about $115 million, compelling the club's leadership to sell key players.

While captain Jarrod Bowen announced his intention to stay, Mateus Fernandes attracted interest from clubs including Real and Man Utd. Ultimately, Tottenham proved willing to spend the most to secure the Portuguese midfielder.

For Summerville, AS Roma reportedly offered around $53 million for the Netherlands international. However, Al Hilal secured the 24-year-old's signature, agreeing to an immediate payment of $73,4 million with an additional $6,6 million in future add-ons.

Summerville's transfer fee makes him Al Hilal's second-most expensive player, trailing only Neymar ($98,5 million). The winger, born in 2001, participated in all 4 matches for the Netherlands at the World Cup 2026, contributing two goals and two assists.

Summerville, who has Surinamese heritage, previously joined West Ham from Leeds for over $33 million in summer 2024. Across two seasons, he made 56 appearances, scoring 8 goals and providing 7 assists.

The Championship now accounts for all 10 of the most expensive player sales from second-tier clubs across Europe's 5 top football leagues. 9 of these transfers involved moves to Premier League teams, with Summerville's transfer to Al Hilal being the sole exception.

Vy Anh