Mohammed Kudus (24, West Ham) is strongly desiring a move to Tottenham Hotspur. The transfer negotiations are gaining momentum.
The British 'Football Insider' reported on the 8th (Korean time), "Kudus is only interested in transferring to Tottenham. Despite competing with Chelsea, Tottenham has gained a favorable position in the transfer race."
It added, "Although Chelsea is negotiating a transfer fee with West Ham, Kudus's determination is so clear that Tottenham has become less burdened."
Transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano also confirmed Kudus's position. He stated, "Kudus is not currently in contact with other teams. He has agreed to the Tottenham project, and negotiations between the two clubs will continue."
Kudus left Ajax in the summer of 2023 and joined West Ham for £40 million (about 74.3 billion won). He scored 19 goals in 80 matches over two seasons in the Premier League. Notably, he made a strong impression by scoring 14 goals in just his debut season. At the 2022 Qatar World Cup, he gained recognition among domestic fans by scoring multiple goals in the group match against Korea.
However, he only scored 5 goals last season.
Nonetheless, Kudus is still regarded as a valuable versatile asset capable of playing several positions. With his quick dribbling, high activity level, and decisiveness, he is highly utilized as a second striker and attacking midfielder.
Tottenham urgently needs to bolster their flanks in this summer transfer window. Son Heung-min, Richarlison, and Bryan Gil are at the center of transfer rumors. Timo Werner has returned to his original team, RB Leipzig, following the end of his loan. So far, they have added Mathys Tel.
Mick Brown, a former Tottenham and Manchester United player, noted, "Several teams have shown interest in Kudus, but he has conveyed to West Ham that he only wants Tottenham. This could be a strong weapon for Tottenham in the negotiations. West Ham cannot ignore the player’s wishes."
In addition to Chelsea, Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr has shown interest in Kudus. Chelsea has already signed Jamie Goode and João Pedro but is also targeting Kudus.
West Ham is preparing for a major overhaul ahead of the new season. The team, under the management of Graham Potter, who was hired as a firefighter, needs to secure finances to reorganize. Selling Kudus may not be a choice but a necessity.
Both teams are still at an impasse over the transfer fee. Tottenham believes they can finalize a transaction around £60 million (about 112 billion won). Previously, they had their £50 million (about 93.3 billion won) offer rejected.
Tottenham is expected to soon make a new bid to acquire Kudus.
If this acquisition is successful, Tottenham will have made a direct transaction with West Ham for the first time since Scott Parker in 2011.
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