Liverpool are set to scout Ajax forward Mohammed Kudus during Ghana’s World Cup clash with Portugal on Thursday after Premier League rivals Everton missed out in the summer, according to Sports World Ghana.
Jurgen Klopp found out first hand, a couple of months ago, just how devastating Kudus can be when given time and space to pick his spot. The former Nordsjaelland talisman cancelled out Mo Salah’s early opener in thumping fashion during Liverpool’s Champions League group-stage clash with Ajax in September; shifting the ball away from Virgil van Dijk before lashing it in off the bar.
Even the great Alisson Becker could only stand and watch. He might as well have been sat in the Kop.
That was just one of 10 goals Kudus has scored across 21 games this season; his evolution from a box-to-box midfielder into a penalty-box poacher the greatest success of Alfred Schreuder’s spell as Ajax coach.
Sports World Ghana believe that Kudus left a lasting impression on Klopp too, with the Liverpool boss continuing to keep tabs on a player also on the respective radars of Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham Hotspur.
The Merseyside giants will reportedly have scouts in attendance when Kudus’ Ghana take on Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and co later this week.
Liverpool are looking at Ajax’s one-time Everton target Mohammed Kudus
Liverpool’s Stanley Park neighbours Everton tried and failed to lure Kudus to Goodison Park over the summer. The Toffees even submitted a £15 million bid (The Independent). The Accra-born 22-year-old eventually stuck around after being guaranteed a starring role by Schreuder at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
“I was really close to joining Everton,” Kudus explains. “It was a good project for me and I felt I should try it. I spoke to Lampard.”
Kudus did not rule out a potential January departure from Ajax, however, when pressed on his future earlier this month.
“I’m a player who likes to challenge himself,” the youngster adds. “This is my third season here. We’ll see what the future brings.
“The most important thing is that I just keep performing for the team, and the rest will follow naturally later.”
Liverpool’s interest comes at a time in which the 2022 Champions League runners-up are prioritising an attack-minded central midfielder; Jude Bellingham their top target. Kudus, however, would come a lot cheaper than Dortmund’s England maestro.
Dortmund reportedly want at least £85 million.
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