Mohammed Kudus may have just sparked a bidding war for his signature – report
Mohammed Kudus may have sparked a bidding war for his services.
We’ve known for a while now that the Ghanaian will likely be sold this summer. His form last season was way off the levels he displayed the season before, while West Ham also need to raise precious transfer funds before they can start to reinvest in the squad.
Earlier this week it emerged that Tottenham were in talks with both the club and the forward about a potential move to north London, while last week it had been reported that Arsenal were also exploring a possible deal.
As things stand, according to Fabrizio Romano, a switch to Spurs looks the most likely. It’s claimed Kudus is open to a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, seemingly undeterred by the fact such a move would anger the Hammers’ fanbase.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are also interested in the former Ajax star.
But it’s now being claimed Kudus’ representatives have informed Liverpool that he would be willing to take a pay cut to join the Premier League champions should they decide to enter the race for his signature.
That’s claimed by LFC Transfer Room’s Matt Thielen, who said on X: “Mohammed Kudus’ agent has informed Liverpool that the player would be open to accepting a reduced salary should the club express interest in securing his services amid interest from Tottenham and Chelsea.”
That’s hard to believe given Kudus is earning about £90k-a-week at West Ham, although that figure is unverified by Capology. It would be a surprise if the forward would be willing to go any lower than that given his quality and the fact he is likely to be signing for a club competing in the Champions League next season.
It’s being widely reported that despite Kudus’ £85m release clause, it could take just £60m to convince West Ham to sell the 24-year-old.
Spurs’ opening bid was reportedly for £50m plus £5m of add-ons, which was rejected by West Ham’s hierarchy.
Should Liverpool officially enter the race for Kudus, it’s a scenario that could play into West Ham’s hands quite nicely. While there appears to be an acceptance that the club will need to accept a fee less than his £85m release clause, having more than one club making bids it’s more likely they’ll get more than £60m valuation they currently have.
Indeed, there is no evidence just yet that Liverpool will act on Kudus’ agent’s proposal and make an official bid but given Chelsea, Arsenal and even Newcastle have all been credited with serious interest in the Ghana international, it would be a surprise if Spurs are allowed a free run at signing him.
One thing for sure is that we are heading closer to the end of Kudus’ time as a West Ham player as his London Stadium exit looks more and more likely by the day.