Hammers News

West Ham United finally have money to spend after Mohammed Kudus completed his £54.5 million move to Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday evening.

Whether they spend the money well, however, only time will tell.

West Ham were always under pressure to raise funds this summer in order to re-shape Graham Potter’s squad. With offers for Edson Alvarez, Emerson Palmieri, Nayef Aguerd and co relatively few and far between, Mohammed Kudus became something of a sacrificial lamb.

Sold on, to bitter rivals Spurs no less, in a move which perfectly defines the phrase ‘necessarily evil’. A deal West Ham United would rather not have done. But a deal they felt they had to do, especially after Mohammed Kudus rejected a £17 million-a-year offer from Saudi Arabia.

Former England striker Darren Bent, though, cannot help but scour through the Hammers’ recent additions and wonder if that Kudus money will actually be put to good use.

Darren Bent savages West Ham United’s recruitment as Mohammed Kudus leaves

While former technical director Tim Steidten defended the signing of Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund earlier this week, the fact remains that the German striker is just one of many who arrived for big money but have delivered relatively little.

Bent also highlights Max Kilman, somewhat underwhelming at £40 million, and the occasionally-solid, occasionally-reckless Edson Alvarez. In comparison to James Ward-Prowse, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Kalvin Phillips and Gianluca Scamacca, though, Kilman looks like the second coming of Sir Bobby Moore.

“Look at some of their recruitment over the years at West Ham,” Bent begins, speaking to talkSPORT while making sure to defend Hammer of the Year Aaron Wan-Bissaka and the highly-promising Crysencio Summerville.

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“Max Kilman, who I quite liked at Wolves. A lack of pace. Summerville, I think will come good. Fullkrug had injuries, can’t stay fit.

“One bit of business I did like was Wan-Bissaka. He’s been brilliant. Kudus, he was decent. Edson Alvarez OK. [But] Ward-Prowse, didn’t work. Mavropanos, terrible. Kalvin Phillips, oh my God. Remember Scamacca? Nothing. No productivity.

“I just think, over the years, their recruitment has been poor.”

Mavropanos was linked with Italian giants Roma this week. It is hard to imagine anyone at West Ham standing in his way, the big Greek defender committing his fair share of high-profile blunders in a claret and blue shirt.

Combined, Mavropanos, Kilman, Fullkrug, Ward-Prowse and Scamacca set the Hammers back an eye-watering sum in the region of £130 million.

No wonder former Arsenal, Tottenham and Aston Villa striker Bent has reservations about West Ham’s ability to reinvest the money they gained from Kudus’ sale successfully.

Bent makes Robin van Persie comparison as Tottenham Hotspur sign Kudus

Steidten wanted RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa at the London Stadium last summer. Twelve months on, West Ham look likely to be priced out in the race for Tyler Dibling – Graham Potter and Kyle Macaulay believe the Southampton starlet could succeed Kudus – while Bournemouth playmaker Marcus Tavernier is perhaps not a name that will incur too much excitement.

“You’d say so,” Bent responded when asked if the Kudus deal makes West Ham weaker and Tottenham stronger. “He’s a good player. The drop off was quite significant last season but you’re talking one of your best players away.

“I just think with Graham Potter, I wouldn’t say he did an amazing job at West Ham. So, you want to start the season on the front foot, and you are losing one of your best. So you’d have to say that Spurs are probably getting the better end of this deal.

“[The fee] feels like a lot but there’s potential there. He is a really, really, really good player, only 24 years old as well.”

Bent, a boyhood Arsenal fan, cannot think of too many examples where such a talented footballer has left one club for a bitter rival. Robin van Persie’s 2012 switch from Arsenal to Manchester United is, perhaps, the first that comes to mind.

“Effectively, Spurs are going to West Ham and taking one of their best players,” Bent adds, Kudus the first to make this move since Scott Parker 14 years ago.

“It’s happened to Arsenal over the years. Man United and Arsenal at that time were rivals, when Van Persie went there. That one was bad.

“The amount of times Arsenal and Chelsea do business, but we seem to be getting the raw end of the stick.”

The Gunners and the Blues are doing business right now, funnily enough.

Mohammed Kudus has angered West Ham fans so much it has forced his own countrymen to distance themselves from him after his move to Spurs was confirmed in controversial style.

Hammers fans were already angry at the mere prospect of Mohammed Kudus, or any West Ham player for that matter, being sold to rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

So when the deal actually transpired and at just £54.5m – over £30m less than the Ghanaian’s release clause and £10m less than West Ham’s valuation – it sent many fans into meltdown.

To further antagonise West Ham supporters, it had been reported over the last week that Kudus told David Sullivan and the board he only wanted Spurs.

Kudus fans the flames of West Ham anger with first Spurs words

The 24-year-old fanned the flames when his first words in his Tottenham announcement video on leaving West Ham were just that: “I only wanted Spurs.”

The move came after Hammers News exclusively revealed Kudus was refusing to take part in contact training upon West Ham’s return for pre-season.

It has also since transpired that the former Ajax star reported late for West Ham training on several occasions this week to make it clear he had no interest in being at the club amid the bids from Spurs.

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Some Hammers fans have already changed a couple of letters in the winger’s name, labelling him Kudus the Judas.

Now a prominent group of Kudus’ compatriots have spoken out to distance themselves from the forward after they received a spate of angry messages from their fellow West Ham fans.

It comes amid escalating frustrations among a furious West Ham fanbase, who are already being goaded by Tottenham supporters, just as they have been by Arsenal’s over Declan Rice for the last two years.

The Ghanaian Hammers have spoken out amid a West Ham backlash over Kudus’ move to Tottenham, which guarantees him an angry reception whenever the two sides meet.

Ghanaian Hammers distance themselves from Kudus amid backlash over Spurs move

That is not far away either with Tottenham coming to the London Stadium in game week four of the new Premier League season.

The Ghanaian Hammers are a well-known group of West Ham supporters whose slogan is ‘We are those Black Stars in claret and blue’.

The group has collaborated with Ghana star Kudus on several things, including charity donations in his home village back in Africa.

But since the move to Tottenham came into being, they have been inundated with angry messages directed at them about Kudus from their fellow West Ham fans.

West Ham fan group responds to ‘uncomfortable messages’

The Ghanaian Hammers aimed a dig at Kudus on X by posting a picture of Jarrod Bowen kissing the West Ham badge with the caption ‘Loyalty over everything’ while tagging the captain in.

Then in a statement, the group made it clear they have been West Ham fans long before Kudus arrived.

It comes after they sadly revealed they have been sent ‘uncomfortable’ messages from Hammers supporters.

“We received several uncomfortable direct messages since the Mo Kudus transfer to Spurs,” the Ghanaian Hammers said.

“We want to clarify this to everyone that this isn’t Kudus fan page but a recognized fan base years before he joined West Ham United.

“Those who know us very well knows we supported this club more than a decade ago.”

‘We bleed claret and blue’ say Ghanaian Hammers

The group followed up that message by posting pictures of Ghanaian Hammers fans decked out in club shirts from all eras, saying they ‘bleed claret and blue every day’.

“We don’t choose to support West Ham, it’s a family thing,” Ghanaian Hammers state.

“We bleed claret and blue every day.”

It’s clearly sad the group has felt it has to speak out after receiving angry messages.

But this will undoubtedly earn them a new level of respect among the Hammers fanbase.

As for Kudus, his lack of respect will earn him a white hot reception on September 13th.

There could hardly be a starker contrast between the respective statements provided by West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur as Mohammed Kudus swapped one Premier League outfit for another.

West Ham’s farewell message accounted for just 58 words and three short paragraphs. No room for emotion, and even less for sentiment.

Tottenham, in contrast, appear keen to milk the excitement surrounding the Ghana international’s sudden arrival in North London for all it’s worth.

Daniel Levy convinced David Sullivan to accept just £54.5 million for Mohammed Kudus earlier in the week. Now, as of Thursday night, Kudus is the officially the first player to leave West Ham United for Spurs since Scott Parker crossed the divide 14 years previously.

And in a welcome brimming with enthusiasm and excitement, via Tottenham’s official website, the Europa League winners provided a detailed description of Kudus’ strengths, his achievements, and the origin story of a footballer viewed as the posterboy of Ghana’s prestigious Right to Dream academy.

Tottenham Hotspur confirm Mohammed Kudus arrival from West Ham United

Tottenham apparently could not resist a dig at their London neighbours too, and we don’t mean West Ham.

It is no secret that Chelsea wanted to lure Mohammed Kudus to Stamford Bridge, even after landing both Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro at considerable expense.

It became pretty apparent in the lead up to Thursday’s announcement, however, that Kudus only wanted Tottenham Hotspur. A point his new employers were only too happy to reiterate.

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“We are delighted to announce the signing of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United, subject to work permit,” the statement reads.

“The Ghana international has agreed a long-term contract and will wear the number 20 shirt.”

Tottenham describe Kudus as an ‘exciting and direct attacker’. They also make reference to the highlight moment of his two-season spell down the road at the London Stadium; a ‘sensational solo effort’ against SC Freiburg in the Europa League which earned the former Ajax star a Puskas Award nomination in 2024.

Kudus takes Dele Alli’s old shirt number at Spurs

Kudus receives the number 20 shirt most commonly associated with former Spurs sensation Dele Alli during happier times.

Ex-Tottenham captain Michael Dawson also represented the club with 20 on his back, with experienced goalkeeper Fraser Forster the most recent to wear the kit.

“West Ham United can confirm that Mohammed Kudus has completed a transfer to Tottenham Hotspur for an undisclosed fee,” reads a far blunter statement visible on the Hammers website.

“The 24-year-old Ghana international departs having made 80 appearances and scored 19 goals during a two-year spell with the Hammers.

“West Ham United would like to thank Mohammed for his service and wish him well for the future.”

Kudus had an £85 million release clause in his contract specifically for rival Premier League clubs.

After Kudus rejected a £320,000-a-week switch to Saudi Arabia, he now joins Tottenham at what many frustrated supporters will consider a heavily discounted fee.

The upside is that, with £54.5 million now burning a hole in Graham Potter’s pocket, West Ham can now step up their interest in leading targets such as El Hadji Malick Diouf, Oscar Mingueza and Raphael Onyedika.

Even when Tottenham Hotspur are on the verge of signing one of their top summer targets – Mohammed Kudus is leaving West Ham United and crossing the London divide – they still cannot avoid a few strays.

Hammers News have been informed, via football correspondent Graeme Bailey, that chairman David Sullivan ‘buckled’ in negotiations with Daniel Levy this week.

Tottenham are set to sign Mohammed Kudus for £54.5 million. Some £30 million less than the release clause in his West Ham United contract, and at a reduction on the fee Sullivan and co were initially hoping for as well.

Yet, while this feels like a big statement on intent from the Europa League winners – especially after they missed out on both Bryan Mbeumo and Antoine Semenyo – the response from out of Ghana is that Mohammed Kudus is not really taking the ‘upwards step’ many expected of him.

Mohammed Kudus set for Tottenham as ‘bigger club’ Chelsea miss out on West Ham United man

Former Ghana stalwart Laryea Kingston suggests that Tottenham is a move in the right direction – Spurs will be playing Champions League football next season, after all – but not quite the life-changing move many back home were hoping for.

“Mohammed Kudus moving from West Ham to Tottenham is one step in his career,” Kingston tells Sporty FM. “But I was expecting him to move to a bigger club, like Chelsea.”

Stamford Bridge boss Enzo Maresca issued a coy response when asked about Kudus a few days ago. Chelsea did attempt to convince West Ham to let the former Ajax forward move to West London earlier in the window, offering the likes of Jadon Sancho, Axel Disasi and Trevoh Chalobah in exchange.

Kudus had his heart set on joining Tottenham, though. Perhaps he feels that, with Chelsea already snapping up both Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens, a starting berth is more attainable under Thomas Frank than it would be in Maresca’s seemingly-endless roster.

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Former Brentford boss Frank is a confirmed admirer, too, of a man who should be joined at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium by Morgan Gibbs-White. Nottingham Forest talisman Gibbs-White is on his way too, after Tottenham triggered the £60 million release clause in his contract.

Former Ghana chief thinks Kudus is ‘more talented than Bukayo Saka’

Kudus’ versatility was a big factor in Tottenham’s pursuit of the mercurial 24-year-old. He can play on the right or the left, through the centre and even as a striker if required.

West Ham hero Carlton Cole believes Bowen’s statistics compare favourably to Bukayo Saka’s at Arsenal, especially considering that he scored a further 13 Premier League goals last season for a club who finished a lowly 14th.

Ibrahim Sannie Daara, the former Communications Director for the Ghana Football Association, believes that Kudus is capable of emulating or even exceeding Saka as well, even if he fell some way short of his best during his second and final year at the London Stadium.

Those West Ham United supporters are not the only London-based fanbase taking issue with Mohammed Kudus’ impending £55 million switch to Tottenham Hotspur.

In the grand scheme of things, and while this obviously adds insult to injury as Kudus prepares to leave the Hammers for a bitter rival, £55 million is pretty good value for a footballer of such supreme natural talent.

If Tottenham can harness the very best of the Ghana international – Alan Pardew said it best when he claimed that Kudus can be utterly ‘unplayable’ on his day – then £55 million could prove to be a bargain.

Especially in an era where Jack Grealish, Kai Havertz, Omar Marmoush and Jadon Sancho have been traded for far more.

Hammers News have been informed, via football correspondent Graeme Bailey, that chairman David Sullivan ‘buckled’ in negotiations with Daniel Levy.

Tottenham have now agreed a deal for less than West Ham’s initial £60 million-plus asking price, and at a massive discount on the £85 million release clause in his London Stadium contract.

A great deal for Spurs, less so for West Ham even if Mohammed Kudus’ sale frees up much-needed funds for new arrivals.

As for Arsenal, suggestions that the Gunners could stump up a similar fee to bring Noni Madueke to the Emirates from down the road at Chelsea has many wondering why the Premier League’s perennial bridesmaids did not just go for Kudus themselves.

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Arsenal fans are not happy as Tottenham close in on West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus

Fabrizio Romano reported on Wednesday that Madueke has agreed personal terms with Arsenal. They have also made an offer of around £50 million for the one-time Tottenham starlet.

Chelsea want closer to £55 million, however.

Meaning that, if Madueke does follow in the footsteps of Jorginho, William Gallas, Willian, Havertz and more, Arsenal will end up investing a very similar fee to the one Spurs paid for Kudus.

“There is no way in hell Madueke is worth anywhere near this,” one frustrated Gunners supporter writes on social media. “If Kudus is £55 million, Madueke is £35 million max!”

“We could’ve got Kudus [for the fee Chelsea are demanding for Madueke],” another adds.

“Tottenham paid £55 million for Kudus. Arsenal want to pay £55 million [for] Madueke,” one agrees, his comments accompanied with a gif of a particularly dejected-looking Cristiano Ronaldo.

“£55 million for Kudus and you’re telling me £50 million-plus for Madueke… I’m sorry but my eyes don’t lie. You can’t convince me that Noni Madueke is a better player than Mohammed Kudus. Madness!”

Chelsea want over £50 million from Arsenal for Noni Madueke

In his defence, Madueke did outperform Kudus last season both in terms of goals [seven to five] and assists [four to three].

However, taking into account their respective natural ability and the height of their individual ceilings, Kudus still feels like a potentially world-class footballer in waiting. The feeling around Madueke, in contrast, is that he could very well develop into an extremely good forward player, but not a particularly great one.

“Kudus is a better player for that money…,” another fan sighs. “The same genius Mikel Arteta who chose Kai Havertz over Cole Palmer when both were available.”

“I don’t have a problem with signing Madueke. What I have a problem with is the fee. £50 million as an opening bid is pure foolishness. We are definitely going to pay, like, £60 million for him and that’s more than what Spurs paid for Kudus.”

“£55 million for Kudus is a better deal than £50 million for Madueke.”

West Ham fans now know what David Sullivan really thinks about selling star Mohammed Kudus to fierce Premier League rivals Spurs.

A well-connected journalist has now lifted the lid on the majority owner’s view following the controversial Mohammed Kudus transfer – the first deal between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur in 14 years.

The last move between the old foes saw Scott Parker leave for Tottenham while David Bentley joined the Hammers on loan for a spell.

It is fair to say the Kudus transfer to Spurs – for a meagre £54.5m – has sparked an outpouring of anger from West Ham’s fans.

Fans savage Sullivan over West Ham selling Kudus to Spurs

Supporters have been quick to point out that they were lured away from their beloved Upton Park to the London Stadium on the promise of competing with the elite in the transfer market.

The reality has seen two of their best players in that time sold to direct London rivals.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy had cooled talks with David Sullivan over a deal for the Ghanaian when West Ham rejected multiple offers.

It was revealed overnight how Levy made Sullivan do the unthinkable and cave on a deal for Kudus.

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West Ham’s owners have issued a transfer statement in the wake of the Kudus sale.

Now Hammers supporters will want to see action.

Especially as they are already being goaded by Spurs fans over the move.

West Ham supporters knew Kudus was being sold this summer and had made peace with the fact.

Particularly off the back of a poor season where the 24-year-old was clearly playing for himself and not the team.

What Sullivan really thinks about selling Kudus to Spurs is leaked

But Sullivan, who has reprised his role as West Ham’s de facto director of football since sacking Tim Steidten, has been a target of severe criticism on social media and fan forums for selling Kudus to Spurs of all clubs.

The Irons hierarchy, who have made it clear they must sell to buy this summer, argued no other clubs were seriously interested in the player.

That meant the Hammers were backed into a corner with money tight and Graham Potter yet to make a single signing as fan pressure grows.

With many West Ham fans up in arms about the deal, the true feelings of the club’s main man have been revealed.

What Sullivan really thinks about selling Kudus to Spurs has been leaked by journalist.

The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg has spoken to his sources within the club – believed to be Sullivan.

Steinberg has revealed that Sullivan accepts the fee – some £10m lower than the price West Ham put on Kudus’ head and £30m below his red herring “release clause” – is ‘not great’.

But he says Sullivan and the club do not see selling Kudus to Spurs as a ‘disaster’ – stating that a new team is in place to ensure recruitment improves drastically.

In fact Steinberg suggests Sullivan is more angry at how the £105m Rice money was wasted.

West Ham chief doesn’t see Kudus sale to Spurs as a ‘disaster’

“Deal will allow West Ham to push on with their signings,” Steinberg said on X.

“First reaction is that West Ham have not got a great fee but it’s been pointed out (by the club) that it works from an accounting perspective as Kudus’s book value was low.

“Everything now will be coloured by West Ham getting the right players in.

“It’s years of iffy signings coming back to bite West Ham but there’s a new recruitment team in place now and they just have to be allowed to do their job.

“Kudus going really isn’t seen as a disaster. The bigger crime was wasting the Rice money.”

Now all eyes will turn to signings with deals reportedly in the pipeline for the likes of El Hadji Malick Diouf, Zion Suzuki, Raphael Onyedika and interest in Man City playmaker James McAtee and Nice striker Evann Guessand.

It has always been how money is spent rather than how much.

But that is more applicable to West Ham than ever this summer.

West Ham have addressed the fallout from Mohammed Kudus’ controversial sale to Tottenham by issuing a major transfer statement – including shock news on Niclas Fullkrug.

West Ham have done the unthinkable and sold Mohammed Kudus to bitter rivals Spurs.

Hammers fans are up in arms about selling a top player like Kudus to Tottenham Hotspur – the first transaction between the two clubs for 14 years.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy had cooled the Kudus talks after seeing multiple offers to Hammers chief David Sullivan rejected – including one which was even tied to Tottenham winning the Premier League and Champions League.

West Ham issue big transfer statement after Kudus sale to Spurs

It has been revealed how Levy got Sullivan to buckle over the Kudus deal – which is actually less than £55m at just £54.5m.

Sullivan and the West Ham board are now facing a backlash from fans, who are bracing themselves to be mercilessly goaded by their Tottenham counterparts.

Just as they have been by Arsenal fans over Declan Rice for the last two years.

Previously the Hammers board have stated that Graham Potter would only get around 75 per cent of the money made on some sales to spend on players due to the PSR situation.

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But after selling to Spurs, supporters are demanding that Potter is given every penny of the Kudus fee to start playing catch-up on his rebuild.

And the pressure is on to now pull off the perfect window after years of poor recruitment.

Given West Ham were hoping to make at least £65m from the sale of Kudus, the actual fee is a blow to Potter’s spending power.

More sales are expected with the likes of Nayef Aguerd, Emerson Palmieri, Edson Alvarez, Guido Rodriguez and Niclas Fullkrug all believed to be on the market.

Hammers board deliver shock Fullkrug news

It was also claimed West Ham’s Kudus heir could be sold next after a bid was submitted.

Potter will need every penny he can get with the Hammers boss linked with a host of targets including left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf, goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, midfielders Raphael Onyedika and James McAtee and striker Evann Guessand to name but a few.

The Hammers hierarchy have been insisting they must operate a sell to buy policy in the summer window.

With the money coming in from Tottenham, fans are demanding action.

Now West Ham have issued a major transfer statement after the Kudus sale to Spurs including shock Fullkrug news.

West Ham make stance on signings clear after sale

The Hammers have addressed their controversial Kudus decision and confirmed where they stand on selling Fullkrug amid reported interest from Italy and Germany.

The top spokesman for West Ham’s owners has told Hammers News that Potter will be getting all the Kudus cash to spend on signings.

But the board have also made one thing perfectly clear about incomings.

And there has been a hugely surprising twist when the club was pressed on whether the likes of Aguerd, Emerson and Fullkrug could be sold soon to raise further funds.

“Every penny will be used for signings,” the top spokesman for West Ham’s owners told Hammers News.

“But we will not be hurried into signings as we need to make every single penny count.”

West Ham say lean, mean Fullkrug is staying

When asked about further sales, including Fullkrug – who turns 33 next season and spent two thirds of his debut season out injured – the response may shock many.

Because West Ham now say Fullkrug is looking lean and mean and will not be leaving.

“Fullkrug has come back three kilos lighter and very, very determined, and we hope he has a great season,” the West Ham spokesman told Hammers News.

That comes after Potter made it clear he sees Fullkrug as a substitute for West Ham.

What this means for West Ham’s striker search, especially if Michail Antonio stays, remains to be seen.

But given the injury history and age of both players, the Hammers would be ill-advised to go into the new season without signing a new young forward to compete for the striker role.

On the flip side, Hammers fans have really taken to Fullkrug as a character and he is said to be a positive, leadership influence in the dressing room despite his angry outburst at the end of last season.

Daniel Levy appears to have pulled off a masterstroke by convincing David Sullivan to let Mohammed Kudus join West Ham’s bitter rivals Tottenham for just £55m – and now we know how.

West Ham fans are absolutely incandescent this evening as word emerges that their worst fears have come true – Mohammed Kudus is being sold to Spurs.

Hammers supporters have long since come to terms with the fact Kudus needed to be sold to raise funds for Graham Potter’s rebuild.

Many are not overly concerned about losing the Ghanaian after his poor second season in east London.

But the majority believe Kudus will once again hit the heights of his debut campaign wherever he ended up next.

For a time that looked set to be Liverpool, Arsenal or Chelsea. There was even a shout from Newcastle.

Spurs and West Ham agree first transfer for 14 years

However, a transfer nobody saw coming was Kudus being sold by West Ham United to their fierce rivals Tottenham.

West Ham fans are only just getting over the anger and ignominy of selling homegrown captain Declan Rice to Arsenal.

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Now the Hammers have sold another of their top players to an even bigger rival in Spurs.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein has announced a deal has been agreed between the clubs and on personal terms with Kudus.

Not a single player has moved between West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur since 2011.

Now the 14-year transfer embargo has ended.

And this is how Daniel Levy got David Sullivan to do the unthinkable as Tottenham ‘steal’ Kudus from West Ham for just £55m.

Neither Levy nor Sullivan would fare particularly well if Tottenham or West Ham held a popularity contest voted for by fans.

But there’s little love lost between them either. In fact there have been frosty relations between the two boardrooms for over a decade.

So it was no surprise when Levy started rubbing West Ham up the wrong way from the get-go over Kudus.

A top source very close to Hammers majority owner Sullivan claimed ‘Levy was up to his old tricks by playing the Kudus deal out in the press’.

Well those ‘old tricks’ have worked.

How Levy got Sullivan to do unthinkable Kudus deal

Tottenham chief Levy saw several offers knocked back by Sullivan for Kudus.

West Ham were left dumbstruck by one of Levy’s Kudus offers – as £10m of it was payable if Tottenham won the Premier League or Champions League.

When that was rejected by the Hammers, doubts started to creep in over Kudus joining Spurs – much to the delight of many West Ham fans.

Levy cooled talks and stepped away, leaving West Ham sweating on Chelsea making a move for Kudus.

But Sullivan’s desperation to get cash in the bank as soon as possible and to start making signings for Potter has been preyed upon by wily Levy.

The Spurs chairman is under pressure to deliver for new boss Thomas Frank, especially after missing out on Bryan Mbeumo, Eberechi Eze and Antoine Semenyo.

When he stepped away from Kudus talks at the weekend, Hammers News understands Frank was not best pleased having made the Ghanaian winger a top target.

That’s when Levy was forced back to the negotiating table where he found Sullivan now desperate to do a deal £10m less than the fee West Ham wanted – and £30m less than Kudus’ release clause.

Hammers News has always stated Kudus’ release clause was a complete red herring. And so it has proved.

Now transfer insider Graeme Bailey has revealed how a dramatic day of negotiations between two fierce rivals transpired.

Bailey has warned Sullivan he has taken a wrong turn by selling Kudus to Spurs for a ‘steal’, telling West Ham fans they have ‘every right to be worried’.

Frank anger forced Levy back to desperate West Ham

“There was nothing new from Levy who was not budging and Frank was not amused, he wanted it doing,” Bailey exclusively told Hammers News.

“West Ham buckled – but unless Chelsea came in, there were not many other options.

“And West Ham need cash now, as we know.

“David Sullivan really wanted £60m plus for Kudus, he was insistent on that point when Tottenham came in – they made offer with add-ons, but they were dismissed.

“The third offer was over £60m but needed Spurs to win trophies and that did not appeal. He has now accepted the cash offer, which will be paid over a number of years – but that is the deal he wanted.

“Personally I was told a deal was likely at around £57m but £55m has got the deal done and this looks a bit of a steal to me, and it’s a huge risk for West Ham and Sullivan to sell their prized asset at this price.

“This deal could be one a real turning point for West Ham and not in a good way.

“West Ham fans are worried and I believe they have every right to be.”

If you asked the West Ham United supporters who they would rather lose out of Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen – two players with admirers at Tottenham Hotspur – the results of the poll would be pretty lopsided.

It is no secret that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is a big Bowen fan.

Fortunately, West Ham United’s talismanic captain is keen to ensure that love goes unrequited, if partly due to fears that his father in law Danny Dyer would make the Great Fire of London Mk 2 happen before Bowen was spotted wearing a plain white kit.

In contrast, it appears that both Mohammed Kudus and West Ham United are far more open to doing a deal with their London neighbours than Bowen ever was.

While Kudus returned for pre-season training this week, Tottenham have been locked in talks with the ex-Ajax forward.

Harry Redknapp, who coached both clubs during a sprawling managerial career, does have his reservations though. Kudus can be ‘unplayable’ on his day, to quote another ex-Hammers boss in Alan Pardew, but those days have been few and far between of late.

Harry Redknapp gives his view on Mohammed Kudus leaving West Ham United for Tottenham

Kudus scored only five goals while providing a grand total of three assists in 32 Premier League matches last season.

West Ham need to raise funds for new signings – El Hadji Malick Diouf, Oscar Mingueza and Raphael Onyedika are among the priority targets – so letting Kudus make a controversial switch to rivals Tottenham is a necessary evil the Hammers seem happy enough to accept.

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“Yeah, he’s not bad,” Redknapp says, his rather sceptical response summing up the feeling surrounding a footballer who last season promised so much but delivered relatively little.

“He’s got bags of ability. There’s no doubting his ability. [But] I know one or two people around the place at West Ham, I think there are question marks over him. I think his ability is not questionable but I don’t know…

“He’s certainly got ability and he’s a player that when he gets on the ball, he can make things happen. He’ll be exciting.

“So yeah he’ll certainly bring something to Tottenham for sure.”

Redknapp says Graham Potter needs signings to support Jarrod Bowen

While new Spurs boss Thomas Frank is a confirmed Kudus fan, there are now suggestions that Tottenham may have cooled their interest in the £60 million-rated forward.

How this situation ends up being resolved is anyone’s guess at this stage. Fortunately, speculation over Jarrod Bowen’s future has all-but disappeared.

“The boy Bowen seemed to carry the team on his shoulders single-handedly!” Redknapp adds, the skipper the only Hammers forward to perform consistently near his best in 2024/25.

“Certainly, they need to make some signings if they are going to improve this year. Their league position was very poor [last season, finishing 14th]. Since Graham Potter went in there, things didn’t really improve.

“But It’s very difficult. He hasn’t got a magic wand. He took over a pretty average team really and they are going to have to get one or two in to do anything this year.”

Arsenal could now hold the key to the future of Mohammed Kudus as Tottenham Hotspur make a shock U-turn on the West Ham star with Chelsea waiting to pounce.

The Hammers are almost entirely dependent on the sale of Mohammed Kudus for their own transfer plans this summer and it has now turned into a four-way battle of London.

Tottenham have been in the box seat to sign Kudus from West Ham, amid much anger from Hammers fans.

But there has been a belief – and hope – Chelsea will be making their play for West Ham’s Ghanaian attacker too.

Arsenal, who were among those most heavily linked with Kudus over the last year, are also in the market for wide forward players.

Now the situation has taken a major twist amid growing belief that a new bid will be imminent.

Hammers News exclusively revealed Kudus does not want to take part in contact West Ham training while he awaits a move with Spurs and Chelsea jostling.

Arsenal deal now absolutely key as Spurs make U-turn on Kudus

Tottenham chief Daniel Levy has seen three offers for Kudus rejected so far.

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But it was actually Spurs’ big rivals Arsenal who set a ridiculously low benchmark for the bidding at £50m – some £15m off what the Hammers want.

West Ham’s board revealed they would ‘laugh off’ an Arsenal offer of £50m for Kudus when speculation was rife they wanted the 24-year-old last month.

Since then the Irons have held two rounds of talks with Chelsea over a potential deal with Todd Boehly and co since mulling a move.

It is Tottenham who have taken the most affirmative action, though, twice making £50m bids with differing payment terms.

That was before Spurs saw a new offer of £62.5m flatly rejected by Hammers chief David Sullivan after it emerged £10m of it was tied to Thomas Frank’s side winning the Premier League and Champions League.

Kudus has angered West Ham supporters after leaks he only wants Tottenham over any other clubs, including Chelsea.

Previously the man who is West Ham’s sacrificial lamb to fund Graham Potter’s rebuild was said to be keen on a move to the Gunners.

Speculation ignited when Kudus was spotted at Arsenal last season, just days after a big bust-up at West Ham.

Now an Arsenal deal is absolutely key as Spurs make a big U-turn on West Ham star Kudus with Chelsea lurking.

Top Hammers insider Sean Whetstone, a close confidant of majority owner Sullivan, has revealed Tottenham have cooled on Kudus.

Levy cools on eager Kudus with Chelsea lurking

And it comes just as Arsenal and Chelsea could be about to make the situation a lot more serious.

Levy is under pressure to make a signing for Frank after missing out on Antoine Semenyo, Bryan Mbeumo and with Arsenal looking favourites for Eberechi Eze.

But West Ham were left dumbstruck by Levy’s latest Kudus offer.

Now Whetstone claims his club source, believed to be Sullivan, is not convinced Spurs will return with an improved number – whether informal or formal.

He states on Claret and Hugh that there is now real doubt over Tottenham’s Kudus move.

It is even claimed Kudus and his new agents ROOF are the ones pushing the Spurs agenda more than the other way around in a desperate attempt to get him out of West Ham.

Unless the Tottenham situation changes, Hammers hopes now rest on Chelsea and Arsenal it seems.

Enzo Maresca publicly admitted Chelsea’s interest in Kudus for the first time at the weekend.

The Blues have been preoccupied making the final of the Club World Cup – already banking over £80m with another £40m up for grabs if they lift the trophy.

But with Noni Madueke closing in on a move to Arsenal, West Ham are expecting and hoping the Blues bid for Kudus imminently.

Enzo Maresca has already confirmed he is in the market for a new winger who can also play as a second striker.

The former Hammers assistant coach has put on record that he likes Kudus.

He’s not alone at Stamford Bridge after Chelsea star Cole Palmer raved about Kudus too.

Chelsea are expecting an official bid from Arsenal for Madueke, which is said to be ‘incoming’.

Reports have claimed it is a deal all parties are keen to complete with personal terms already agreed in the background.

Madueke joining Arsenal may trigger Chelsea bid to West Ham

Fabrizio Romano commented on Sunday: “Understand Arsenal are set to send opening bid for Noni Madueke after agreement with the player on personal terms.”

Should the Gunners finalise what would be a somewhat surprise transfer to bring Madueke to the Emirates, then it is anticipated Chelsea will launch their own official bid in West Ham’s direction for Kudus.

Whether that will change Levy’s supposed stance remains to be seen.

The Hammers will clearly hope for some kind of auction with Tottenham and Chelsea involved.

The Arsenal deal for Madueke is now key to the entire Kudus situation.

And if that falls through, it will be interesting to see whether Mikel Arteta turns his attentions back to West Ham for Kudus.

If not then it could actually play into Levy’s hands by making Spurs the only show in town and leaving West Ham stuck between a rock and a hard place in having to sell to them for a lower fee just to bring some cash in.