Chris Waddle: West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville has earned Premier League interest

Chris Waddle believes Crysencio Summerville has done enough to attract interest from Manchester United and Chelsea – and expects Championship-bound West Ham United to sell if the right offer arrives.

The Hammers were relegated from the Premier League last season despite a final-day victory over Summerville’s former club Leeds United, with Tottenham Hotspur’s win over Everton confirming their return to the second tier for the first time since 2012.

It ended a 14-year stay in the top flight, but West Ham will now aim to bounce back immediately, just as they did in their last Championship campaign when they secured promotion via the play-offs after beating Blackpool in the 2012 final at Wembley.

However, whether Summerville remains at the London Stadium for that promotion push next season remains uncertain.

For exclusive stories and all the detailed EFL news you need, subscribe to The Football League Paper website, digital edition, or newspaper from as little as 14p a day.

WHITE HOT: Crysencio Summerville impressed during his time at Leeds United
PICTURES: Alamy

Interest

The 24-year-old winger scored five goals and provided two assists in 31 league appearances last season, having initially endured a difficult first campaign in east London following his move from Leeds.

Summerville managed just one goal and one assist in an injury-hit debut season before rediscovering his best form last term.

Speaking exclusively to 10bet, Waddle admitted he had initially questioned whether Summerville could make the step up but believes last season’s performances have proved him wrong.

“I was surprised he did as well as he did, to be honest,” the former England, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United winger said.

“When I saw him previously, I thought he was a little bit lightweight, but he did well last season.

“Everybody is looking for creative players, especially wingers who can beat a full-back and deliver.

“Last season he did that quite well, so I can see why there’s a lot of interest.”

Balance the books

Summerville had previously established himself as one of the Championship’s most dangerous attackers during Leeds’ promotion push in the 2023/24 season.

He finished that campaign as the Whites’ top scorer with 21 goals and added 10 assists in 49 appearances before his move to West Ham.

Waddle believes relegation could leave the Hammers vulnerable to losing one of their key attacking assets.

“I’m sure West Ham will sell because they’ve been in trouble after relegation and have to balance the books,” he added.

“If the right offer goes in, I’m sure they’ll take it.”

READ MORE: EFL Broadcast Selections confirmed until early October