West Ham United have an advantage over Barcelona as they look to lure Ajax forward Mohammed Kudus to the Premier League before the window closes next week.
When Fabrizio Romano reported earlier this month that West Ham had opened talks with Mohammed Kudus, while viewing the Ghana international as a potential replacement for Lucas Paqueta, those not particularly au fait with the Ajax forward may have expected to take the Brazilian’s place in the centre of David Moyes’ midfield.
But while Kudus can play through the middle, his best displays in Ajax colours come not in the centre but wide on the right.
Kudus scored 18 goals and set up seven more out wide in 2022/23. And with David Moyes seemingly keen to experiment with Jarrod Bowen in a ‘number nine’ role, there is no reason why Kudus cannot play alongside Paqueta, rather than instead of him, with the playmaker’s proposed switch to Manchester City seemingly falling through.
West Ham, according to The Daily Mail, have now failed with two bids for Kudus; the most recent landing at £36 million. They remain in contention to strike a deal, however, after director Tim Steidten reportedly travelled to Amsterdam for face-to-face talks.
West Ham still keen to sign Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus
West Ham are not the only club after Kudus.
Spanish publication Sport claim that Barcelona have made an offer of their own. Albeit one far less favourable – as far as Ajax are concerned – than West Ham’s. The cash-strapped Calatonians wanted Kudus on loan with a purchase clause in his contract.
There remains a strong relationship between Ajax and Barca, with the La Liga champions holding discussions with Kudus’ representatives. But if Ajax are to strike a deal with one of Kudus’ suitors between now and September 1st, West Ham appear to be in a far stronger negotiating position as things stand.
Ajax want money and want money now. With Barca hoping to defer their payments until 2024, La Blaugrana look destined to miss out unless they change the entire make-up of their offer.
Kudus has one goal and one assist from his two Eredivisie outings in 2022/23. One former Ajax player, however, believes that the Dutch giants should cash in and reinvest the funds in improving the rest of Maurice Steijn’s squad.
“He played well. He had great actions, and he does surprising things,” Kenneth Perez begins, speaking to Voetbal Primeur after Kudus grabbed an assist in the weekend’s 2-2 draw with Excelsior.
“But you can’t rely on him as a team.
“Your ‘number ten’ is so unpredictable that it is almost impossible to play with. I think he is potentially the best player (Ajax) have individually. But, for the team, I would always take that £40 to £50 million to strengthen you in a different way.”
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