Fabrizio Romano is reporting that West Ham United have opened talks with Ajax for Mohammed Kudus as Lucas Paqueta holds out for a dream move to Premier League champions Manchester City.
Well, David Moyes certainly could not accuse his Brazilian playmaker of letting the speculation distract him from the task at hand.
Lucas Paqueta, in what could be his final appearance for West Ham United, performed with familiar vim and vigour during Saturday’s 1-1 draw away at AFC Bournemouth. Even the most dyed-in-the-wool claret-and-blue fanatic could hardly begrudge Paqueta if he’d had his head turned by the chance to work under Pep Guardiola at European champions Manchester City.
City, Romano explains, saw an opening bid of £70 million rejected by the Hammers. The dominant force of English football will return with a new and improved offer, however; personal terms already agreed.
West Ham could lose Lucas Paqueta to Manchester City
The potential arrival of Mohammed Kudus – arguably Ajax’s star man and one of the 2022 World Cup’s most exciting attackers – would certainly go some way to offsetting the disappointment of Paqueta’s departure just two months after his match-winning assist in the Conference League final.
“West Ham now open initial talks to sign Mohammed Kudus,” Romano writes. (Kudus is the) priority target in case Lucas Paquete leaves to join Manchester City.
Positive talks on player side. Kudus is open to the move.”
Any firm offer for Kudus, Romano adds, will ‘depend’ on what happens regarding Paqueta in the coming days. £35 million should be enough to convince Ajax to cash in on the versatile Ghanaian. The Eredivisie giants accepted a £35 million offer from Brighton at the start of August, though talks with the Seagulls do not appear to be progressing (Daily Mail).
Paqueta out and Mohammed Kudus in
Kudus would not be a like-for-like replacement for Paqueta. He is more of a forward than a midfielder these days. Kudus scored 18 goals and set up seven more for Ajax in 2022/23. He shone on the right wing and through the middle as something of a ‘false nine’.
“Mo was our best player in Qatar,” former Ghana international George Boateng says of the 23-year-old. “I am convinced that Mo can compete in the Premier League. And also in other top competitions. He is really an amazing talent.
“In his technique, dribbling and power, Mo is not lacking at all. If he assists his team-mates more often, Mo can really become a world-class player.”
West Ham have already signed one Ajax player this summer. Edson Alvarez arriving.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
