West Ham United fans have endured a miserable 2024/25 campaign. It has been a shameful season, with the Hammers set to finish just above the relegation zone.
Switching managers from Julen Lopetegui to Graham Potter did not do much to turn the club’s fortunes around. The English tactician, like his Spanish counterpart, has been underwhelming.
However, much of the blame lies at the feet of the transfer team led by former director Tim Steidten. His marquee signings last summer failed to kick on in East London.
Injuries blighted Niclas Fullkrug’s season, but it was unsurprising considering his history at Borussia Dortmund and Werder Bremen.
Jean-Clair Todibo and Max Kilman failed to match expectations, while Brazilian winger Luis Guilherme was another big miss.
Fans expected Crysencio Summerville to provide a spark, but injuries kept him out of action for a chunk of the season, and he has not played since January.
Summerville was supposed to be out for a few weeks, but it turned to months, and now, the latest is that he is out for the season after undergoing surgery.
Per ExWHUEmployee, Summerville will be out of action until August. The Dutchman will miss pre-season and the start of the 2025/26 campaign, which begins August 16/17.
Summerville has managed only 22 appearances, recording one goal and two assists.
Even when he returns to action, he will likely need plenty of time to get up to speed after such a long time on the sidelines.
West Ham must target a new winger this summer – View
West Ham must prioritise signing another left-winger this summer to inject much-needed creativity and pace into a blunt attack.
Summerville’s extended absence and underwhelming impact when fit have left a glaring void on the flank.
While the 23-year-old still holds promise, he cannot be relied upon as the sole spark out wide.
A new signing would offer immediate quality and push Summerville to raise his level when he returns.
The Hammers risk another season of attacking impotence without real competition or depth. The summer rebuild must involve strengthening the wing options.
(Stats from Transfermarkt)