Tottenham, facing urgency in finding a replacement for Son Heung-min (33), has sent a second proposal to the forward regarded as 'the future Ballon d'Or winner,' but it was rejected again.
British 'TBR Football' reported on the 3rd (Korean time) that Tottenham made a second proposal worth 55 million pounds (about 102.1 billion won) to acquire Mohamed Kudus (25), but West Ham United turned it down.
According to Graham Bailey, chief reporter of TBR Football, Tottenham proposed 'a base of 50 million pounds + an option of 5 million pounds' to bring Kudus. Tottenham had already proposed a transfer fee of 50 million pounds (about 92.9 billion won) last month, only to be turned down.
West Ham demands at least 65 million pounds (about 120.6 billion won) as the transfer fee for Kudus. Kudus's contract with West Ham lasts until the summer of 2028, including an option to extend for another year.
In particular, West Ham set the buyout amount for Kudus at 84 million pounds (about 156.1 billion won) when signing him. Consequently, Tottenham's offered amount seems ridiculously insufficient. The 65 million pounds is still far below the buyout amount.
Kudus recorded 5 goals and 4 assists in a total of 35 matches during the 2024-2025 season. Although this figure is less than the 18 goals and 10 assists in 48 matches during the 2023-2024 season, he is still regarded as having a significant presence in the team.
Notably, Ghana national team player Kudus can play on both the wings and centrally, based on his excellent skills and immense work rate. This talent of Kudus provides tactical flexibility for the head coach. It is also difficult to easily transfer such a player to a rival based in London.
Jeremy Fiscale, Kudus's youth coach, stated in an interview with 'The Athletic' last February that "In two years, Kudus will be the best player in Africa," adding, "I am confident that Kudus will win the Ballon d'Or someday."
He continued, "Everyone has seen Kudus grow. Kudus is shining at the highest level now. He is a superstar," praising Kudus's development potential.
The background of Tottenham's efforts to acquire Kudus ultimately stems from transfer rumors surrounding Son Heung-min. With only one year left on his contract, Son is receiving interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia and Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahçe (Turkey). Son is also approaching the possibility of a transfer with a more open attitude than before.
Due to injuries and conditioning issues, Son Heung-min has not shown the same powerful performance as in previous years during the 2024-2025 season. Nevertheless, he has demonstrated his presence by scoring 11 goals and providing 12 assists in the league.
Tottenham still recognizes the symbolic and marketing value of the living legend Son Heung-min. However, newly appointed head coach Thomas Frank has reportedly conveyed to the club that he will not prevent Son's transfer.
Nevertheless, securing a replacement for Son Heung-min does not appear to be easy for Tottenham. Their top target, Eberechi Eze (27, Crystal Palace), prefers Arsenal. Antoine Semenyo (25, Bournemouth) has opted to stay through a five-year contract renewal.
Bryan Mbeumo (26, Brentford), nurtured by Coach Frank, is reportedly preferring a transfer to Manchester United (Man U), resulting in failed negotiations with Tottenham.
West Ham is considering the sale of Kudus in light of the club's financial situation. However, they maintain the stance that they will not engage in negotiations unless their desired amount is met. Currently, Tottenham is leading in the pursuit of Kudus, but arrangements are expected to take more time.
[OSEN]