Crysencio Summerville ‘attitude issue’ mooted after West Ham United transfer
Adam Pope has admitted he wasn’t unhappy to see Crysencio Summerville join West Ham United, suggesting the Dutchman has an “attitude issue”.
The 22-year-old joined Julen Lopetegui’s ranks from Leeds United in a reported £20million to £25million deal having won the Championship Player of the Season award last term at Elland Road [Florian Plettenberg, 3 August].
Although BBC journalist Pope believes Summerville was worth more than what the Hammers paid for him, he doesn’t think it is a bad deal for Leeds and has pointed to the winger’s mentality as a reason.
Speaking on The Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet podcast (6 August) he said: “It’s the one that at the beginning of the summer, which player is going to be leaving Leeds United?
“Archie Gray you thought there good chance if the money came in, but Summerville was definitely either first or second on your list. It’s happened, did I think it would be West Ham? No. Did I think it would be £25million? He’s worth more.
“He’s definitely worth more than that, but there will be add-ons and what have you so it’s happened, it’s gone.
“Am I unhappy? No, because I think there was an attitude issue. But I think there’s a lot of goals to replace.”
How much did West Ham pay Leeds United for Crysencio Summerville?
West Ham fans will be slightly concerned by the suggestion that Summerville has an attitude problem, but in recent years there has been little to suggest that is a genuine issue facing the Dutchman at this time.
Yes, the 22-year-old plays with a slight arrogance, but that is entirely based on his ability. He certainly backed up that confidence with his displays in the Championship last term and if he plays that well this year, Irons fans will be more than pleased.
The Premier League is a different standard and the winger will have to step up to the level if he wants to be a success in claret and blue, but there hasn’t been much to suggest he won’t make that transition given time.
Hopefully, Lopetegui will give Summerville the freedom to express himself on the pitch and show off the best of his character, while keeping him in line to ensure that no potential mentality issues could cause problems.
In other West Ham news, Fenerbache’s stance on a summer move for Tomas Soucek has emerged amid links with a summer exit
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