The reason why Crysencio Summerville opted for a move to the Middle East despite interest from Tottenham has now been revealed.
Tottenham Hotspur will certainly have been delighted that they avoided the drop last season after what was a frantic end to the campaign.
Their upturn in form under new boss Roberto De Zerbi meant that it was their bitter rivals West Ham United who suffered the humiliation of relegation.
However, since beating the drop, Spurs have been active in the transfer market, bolstering their squad as they look to avoid a repeat of last season’s debacle.
Why Crysencio Summerville opted against Tottenham move
Tottenham’s transfer activity has seen them shop from their London rivals already this summer, after they secured the signature of Mateus Fernandes.
It was no small piece of business, with Fernandes briefly holding the record as Tottenham’s most expensive signing before Spurs went one better and landed Sandro Tonali.
The Portuguese midfielder has announced himself in style to the Lilywhite faithful with a stunning goal against MK Dons.
But Spurs’ activity this summer could have seen them walk away with another Hammers man, as they were heavily linked with a move for wide forward Crysencio Summerville. The 24-year-old was on Tottenham’s radar before he completed his move to the Middle East, joining Al Hilal.
The Athletic has now revealed why Summerville chose not to make the short trip alongside Fernandes. According to the publication, it is understood that Summerville had no desire to follow Fernandes across London out of respect for West Ham. It is further explained that the Dutchman always intended to leave amicably.
Spurs still pushing for attacking reinforcements after missing out on Summerville
Of course, Tottenham were not the only ones in pursuit of the wide forward, with AS Roma and Manchester United also showing interest. Roma’s multiple attempts to secure his services ultimately failed.
Despite losing out on the 24-year-old, Tottenham remain keen on bolstering their attack during the summer transfer window.
Head Coach Roberto De Zerbi made Spurs’ intentions for the remainder of the window clear, saying: “First of all, I think it is not finished yet, our transfer market window. We have to finish; we have to bring another couple, maybe more, maybe not less, but a couple of players.
“I am very happy; I am excited to work with the new players, with the old players. I think we are working very well with Johan and Vinai. We are working with a clear idea. We brought players with great experience like Robbo.
“I think we need this type of players, because we need to increase experience; we have to improve in mentality. We have to be stronger because in the last two seasons we did not do what Tottenham has to do. At the end of the transfer market, we will make the point to close the transfer market session. But at the moment I am very excited.”