Daniel Levy has faced plenty of criticism during his time in charge of Tottenham.
The Spurs chief has made his fair share of confusing decisions over the years, and has also received countless jabs from supporters about his lack of desire to spend money.
However, Levy faces a summer of crucial decisions as he attempts to rejuvenate the Lilywhites next term. He seems destined to potentially buck the trend of being tight with the club’s coffers as a big-money swoop is being lined up for Bryan Mbeumo.
Levy has also made an approach to West Ham about the availability of Mohammed Kudus, in what is shaping up to be a summer that could potentially repair his reputation among supporters as he prepares to flaunt the cash.
Kudus’ release clause only lasts for 10 days
Tottenham’s pursuit of Mbeumo has been progressing for some time now, but that hasn’t stopped Levy from also lining up a potential swoop for Kudus.
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The Hammers’ star is attracting interest from several of the Premier League’s elite clubs this summer, with West Ham likely needing to sell to address their PSR concerns.
Spurs’ chairman has made a personal approach to sign the Ghanaian attacker, but is believed to be interested in a deal around the £50million mark, while the East London club feel that is a long way from what they would deem to be an acceptable offer.
It has now emerged that Kudus’ release clause at the London Stadium lasts for just 10 days this summer, according to The Standard (20 June).
The 24-year-old’s clause comes into effect on 1 July, and for the following 10 days, it can be activated by Premier League sides with a bid of £85m. European clubs can trigger that clause for £80m, while £120m would be necessary if a Saudi Arabian club came in for Kudus.
News of this clause now hands Levy a key decision over the timing of his next move. If he were to table an offer during those 10 days, then in theory it could prove to be very quick and easy for Spurs to agree a deal.
Levy must decide how much he is willing to spend
The 10-day release clause in Kudus’ contract undoubtedly represents the best opportunity for Spurs to bring him to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
However, that would need Levy to spend significantly more money on the forward than he has designs on at present. It remains to be seen from his current approach whether £50m is the highest that Levy is prepared to go, or whether it was just an attempt to unsettle the player.
If Levy desperately wants Kudus, and he is willing to pay whatever it takes to add him to Thomas Frank’s squad, then it makes sense for Tottenham to wait for the 10-day window to make their move.
But if he instead opts to keep making what could be perceived as derisory offers to West Ham, then Spurs can fully expect Kudus to line up at one of their key rivals next season, and maybe even Arsenal.
Ultimately, it looks like yet another mooted Tottenham deal that could come down to Levy’s willingness to spend.