Mohammed Kudus is looking increasingly likely to join Tottenham Hotspur, but his performances last season should be a concern.
Tottenham have been linked with a number of attacking players during the summer transfer window and one name that has been repeatedly brought up is West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Spurs are engaging in positive talks to sign Kudus, although two unnamed clubs are also interested.
Kudus is the most likely attacker to join Tottenham, despite Eberechi Eze, Bryan Mbeumo and Antoine Semenyo all having been linked with a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
While the West Ham star has a mind-blowing £85m release clause, Tottenham could sign Kudus for £60m, as West Ham need to make a sale due to their PSR issues.
Tottenham are still overpaying for Mohammed Kudus
Of all the wingers and attacking midfielders currently linked with a move to Spurs, Kudus is the least exciting, in my opinion.
The 24-year-old could not even earn the approval of his own supporters last season, and for good reason. He only managed a measly five goals and three assists in 32 Premier League appearances, which does not come close to justifying his price tag.
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A BBC Sport article earlier this month revealed some West Ham supporters would be happy to cash in on Kudus. One claimed he was still one of the club’s best players, but others noted his poor displays last season, with a supporter describing his drop-off in performance as ‘astounding’.
There is no doubt that Kudus is a player with some good skills and capabilities. He is strong on the ball and an excellent dribbler. However, he can be poor in the final third, often making questionable decisions, while his passing could use some improvement. He would not be a bad signing at the right price, but that price is not £60m.
Spurs need a reliable and consistent goalscorer
Dominic Solanke has already taken the role of playing well without registering a reasonable number of goal contributions. Spurs need a winger who is going to pose a threat in front of goal, and even in Kudus’ better season at West Ham, he only scored eight times in the league.
Brennan Johnson scored 11 times in Tottenham’s last league campaign. Would Kudus start ahead of him and if not, why would Spurs be willing to pay £60m for him?
The difference between Mbeumo and Kudus is night and day, but the former seemingly does not want to join Spurs. Also, Eze is seemingly keen on a move to Arsenal. Therefore, there is some reason for Tottenham to be interested in Kudus.
However, his performances last season were simply not good enough to warrant Spurs spending a near-record transfer fee. I suppose the question is, if not Kudus, then who?
Eze could end up at Arsenal, Semenyo has signed a new contract, and Bryan Mbuemo seems destined for Manchester United. As usual, Tottenham pay the price for moving slow and moving weak.