West Ham United are reportedly willing to sell Mohammed Kudus this summer, but interested suitors have ‘doubts’ about his valuation.
The 24-year-old joined the Hammers from Ajax for £38m plus add-ons in August 2023 and he made a notable impression in his debut campaign at the club, recording 14 goals and nine assists in 45 appearances across all competitions.
However, the versatile attacker has struggled to make the desired impact in the final third this season for a Hammers outfit that has endured a disappointing domestic campaign, which began with Julen Lopetegui in charge and will finish with Graham Potter at the helm.
Kudus has contributed with only four goals and four assists in 34 games for a West Ham side who sit 15th in the Premier League table, 14 points behind the top half and 25 points behind the top seven.
Although Kudus still has three years remaining on his contract at the London Stadium, former Premier League scout Mick Brown claims that West Ham will listen to offers for the Ghana international in the summer.
West Ham prepared to sell Kudus this summer?
Brown, who worked as the chief scout at Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers and remains well-connected within the game, claims that Potter is prepared to move Kudus on and the attacker’s underwhelming performances have led to a growing belief that West Ham could sell him to generate funds for a squad rebuild.
Kudus is said to be interested in joining Liverpool, who have to African on their list of targets, while Arsenal have also been credited with an interest.
However, Brown has suggested that Kudus has not performed well enough to persuade interested suitors to activate his £80m release clause.
Speaking to Football Insider, Brown said: “Liverpool have been looking at Mohammed Kudus. He wants to make that move and will jump at the opportunity if an offer arrives.
“He scored his first goal of the year against Brighton, and all season he’s only got four – for a player of his ability and talent, that’s not good enough. The way he plays is going to catch your eye, but for most of the game he’s not doing enough.
“I think that’s the conclusion Liverpool will come to, as will other clubs who have been watching.
“He certainly isn’t doing enough to convince these clubs it would be worth spending £80m on him. His talent is unquestionable, but he isn’t producing it enough to earn a move to these top sides.
Interested clubs have ‘doubts’ over Kudus asking price
“I have no doubt he’s a name on Liverpool’s list, but if they’re going to replace their current options, it has to be with players who will improve their starting XI.
“I don’t think Kudus, with the way he’s played for West Ham, is going to be the one they go for.”
Brown added: “West Ham will listen to offers for Kudus. He hasn’t put in the performances expected of him this summer and Potter would be prepared to let him go because he’s not making an impact.
“He’s got this £80m release clause, but that doesn’t matter if nobody will pay it. There are clubs keeping an eye on his situation, but there are doubts about what he might cost.
“Kudus has had a very disappointing season, there’s no doubt about that, and he hasn’t shown these clubs why they should spend big money on him.
“But from a West Ham point of view, they would like to make money from his sale. They want to improve their squad and back the manager, so selling Kudus would help with that.”
Kudus is expected to be involved in West Ham’s final Premier League game of the season away against Ipswich Town on Sunday, which could represent his last match for the club if he is sold in the summer.
VOTE IN THE 2024-25 SPORTS MOLE READERS’ AWARDS!
Voting is now open for the annual Sports Mole Readers’ Awards, where you can pick your player of the season, manager of the season, signing of the season and much more.
Click here to make your selections, and the winners will be announced on Monday, May 26!
