Roma have re-entered negotiations to sign Jonson Summerville from West Ham, potentially disrupting a deal with Al-Hilal, according to reports in Italy. The situation, described as a “telenovela” by mercato, has seen a dramatic shift in the last 24 hours, with the player now delaying a medical with Al-Hilal to consider his options.
Earlier on Friday, a complete agreement appeared to be in place for Summerville to join Roma for a fee of €47 million plus €4 million in bonuses, with the player set to earn approximately €4.2 million per season. The Friedkin ownership group had even prepared a private jet to collect the 24-year-old from Rotterdam, anticipating his arrival in Rome around 9:30 PM local time. However, Al-Hilal then intervened with a significantly more lucrative offer.
The Saudi Arabian club proposed a €70 million transfer fee to West Ham, alongside €5 million in add-ons, and a contract for Summerville worth €15 million annually – more than double Roma’s offer. This prompted Roma to cancel the scheduled flight. This setback represents a third potential transfer frustration for the club, following complications with deals for Mason Greenwood and Mehmet Celik.
Roma manager Daniele Gasperini and the Friedkin family then reportedly made a renewed push to convince Summerville to choose the Italian capital. The Dutch winger has since consulted with his family, weighing the pros and cons of a move. The key decision centers on whether to prioritize financial gain with Al-Hilal or the opportunity to compete in the Champions League with Roma. A resolution is expected overnight, though the Friedkins are unlikely to wait indefinitely. Some Roma supporters have recalled a similar situation two years ago when Paulo Dybala initially considered a substantial offer from Saudi Arabia before ultimately committing to the club.
Should the deal with Summerville fall through, Roma are reportedly considering alternative targets, including Ernest Nuamah of Nordsjaelland, Ellyes Skhiri of Cologne, and Mbaye of Paris Saint-Germain.
