Mohammed Kudus (24, West Ham), who scored multiple goals against Korea in the World Cup group stage, is only waiting for a medical test before his transfer to Tottenham.
Fabrizio Romano, an expert in the European transfer market, noted on his social media account on Dec. 1 (Korea time), "Kudus's transfer to Tottenham has been confirmed. It was signed for £55 million (approximately 102.7 billion won). The contract duration is 6 years."
He further explained, "Kudus has not negotiated with any other club. He only wanted Tottenham. A medical test is scheduled for Thursday in London."
Kudus left Ajax in the summer of 2023 and joined West Ham for £40 million (approximately 74.3 billion won). Over two seasons in the Premier League, he has scored 19 goals in 80 matches. Notably, he made a strong impression by scoring 14 goals in his debut season. He gained recognition among domestic fans for scoring multiple goals in the group stage match against Korea during the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
However, he only managed 5 goals last season.
Nonetheless, Kudus is still regarded as a valuable versatile player who can cover multiple positions. With his quick dribbling, energetic movement, and finishing ability, he is highly utilized as an attacking second striker and an attacking midfielder.
Tottenham urgently needs to strengthen its wings in this summer transfer market. Son Heung-min, Richarlison, and Bryan Gil are among the focus of transfer rumors. Timo Werner has returned to his former club Leipzig after completing his loan. So far, they have acquired Mathys Tel.
Mick Brown, formerly of Tottenham and Manchester United, said, "Several teams have shown interest in Kudus, but he communicated to West Ham that he only wanted Tottenham. This was a strong advantage for Tottenham in the negotiations. West Ham could not ignore the player's wishes."
West Ham is preparing for a major overhaul ahead of the new season. Under the guidance of newly appointed manager Graham Potter, financial resources are needed to restructure the team. Selling Kudus may be a necessity, not just an option.
If this transfer goes through, Tottenham will make a direct transfer deal with West Ham for the first time since Scott Parker in 2011.
Kudus is quite a familiar figure to domestic fans. He was the player who scored multiple goals against Korea during the second group stage match of the FIFA World Cup on Nov. 28, 2022, at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar.
At that time, Kudus led Ghana to a 3-2 victory by scoring back-to-back goals in the 34th minute of the first half and the 23rd minute of the second half. Korea equalized to 2-2 with consecutive headers from Cho Gue-sung, but could not prevent Kudus's winning goal.
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