Forget Lucas Paqueta and Callum Wilson, the build-up to West Ham United’s home clash with Premier League high-flyers Sunderland is destined to be dominated by those ‘Crysencio Summerville to Tottenham’ links.
If you can’t beat them, sign them? Is that really Spurs’ plan for the remainder of the transfer window?
One week after Summerville terrorised Thomas Frank’s team in North London – scoring his first Premier League goal since October 2024 in the process – Tottenham were being linked with West Ham’s number seven.
Urmmmmm….what?! How would you feel if West Ham SOLD Summerville to Spurs?! 🤔
The Daily Mail reported that Spurs are ‘exploring’ a move for the former Leeds and Feyenoord winger.
The only thing Nuno Espirito Santo is thinking about, though, is giving Crysencio Summerville the platform and the confidence to build on his finest two performances in a West Ham United shirt.
Starting with Sunderland, in Saturday’s early kick-off.
Nuno Espirito Santo demands more from Crysencio Summerville at West Ham United
Confidence is a helluva drug.
Summerville had gone 25 matches without scoring in all competitions. Now, it’s two in two.
Apart from his goal – breezing past Pedro Porro and firing a deflected effort into the Spurs net – Summerville was ‘fantastic’ against his alleged admirers. Is he relishing the freedom and the responsibility being bestowed upon him during Lucas Paqueta’s absence?
Nuno confirmed that Paqueta will not be available for a third straight match against Sunderland during his Thursday press conference.
Summerville has struck up a promising partnership with Taty Castellanos and Pablo Felipe, too. The presence of more mobile, unselfish centre-forwards has certainly helped to give the Dutchman an outlet to play off, and more space to charge into.
Whatever the reason, Nuno is keen to see it continue.
“They are helping the team a lot. They are good options. Talented players, good options, and we expect much more from them,” Nuno says of Pablo and Castellanos before turning his attention to a revitalised Summerville.
“[Regarding Crysencio, we want] more consistency. Instead of one or two goals, one or two assists, more.
“We know the talent is there. This is what we try and give to our players; produce more, work more. We are pushing them because the situation requires [it]. We need more and more and more. All of us are aware of the needs we have.
“When I say ‘more,’ it’s exactly that. More consistency, more actions. This situation requires much more.”
Revenge awaits!
What do YOU want to see as West Ham look to avenge August's 3-0 loss?
Nuno hopes West Ham get the support of the London Stadium against Sunderland
This is not the first time Nuno has demanded greater end-product from Summerville. He said the same five days ago at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
West Ham thrived away to a Spurs side subjected to jeers and whistles from a furious fanbase. It remains to be seen how Nuno’s team cope in what could be a similarly tense atmosphere back in front of their own supporters.
“We need the fans from minute one [against Sunderland],” Nuno adds. “We know that we can count on our fans. Of course, when you perform well and win, the week is good.
“The boys have been working really, really good, really hard, preparing for the match. We prepare tomorrow and Saturday, we will play!”
“[We need] energy from the beginning. Energy. Compete, fight for every ball against a tough opponent. We have to do it from the beginning.”
While Flamengo’s technical director broke his silence on Lucas Paqueta – the Brazil international ‘really wants’ the move, Jose Boto says – rumours have emerged surrounding Tomas Soucek, Soungoutou Magassa and Guido Rodriguez this week, not to mention Summerville.
A spokesman for the club’s board tells Hammers News, though, that Summerville and co will not be sold against West Ham’s wishes.
“We will do nothing with any of our players in the January window that is not good for West Ham United.
“It is as simple as that.”
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