Mohammed Kudus, the talented Ghanaian winger currently playing for West Ham United, has made it clear that his sights are set firmly on a move to Tottenham Hotspur. Despite West Ham's reluctance to part ways with the 23-year-old, the transfer saga is heating up as both clubs engage in ongoing negotiations. Kudus’s desire to join Tottenham is backed by his refusal to entertain offers from other clubs, highlighting his commitment to the North London side.
Kudus, born in 2000, has established himself as a versatile attacking force, capable of playing across multiple forward positions including right winger, attacking midfielder, second striker, and even left winger. His dribbling skills and ability to cut inside with inverted movements have drawn praise from football pundits and fans alike. His European journey began at Nordsjælland before moving to Ajax for the 2020-21 season, where he gradually grew into a first-team regular by the 2022-23 season, impressing with 18 goals and 6 assists in 42 appearances.
West Ham secured Kudus’s signature ahead of the 2023-24 season for a transfer fee reportedly around £42 million (approximately 78 billion KRW), a sum comparable to the club’s record signing Lucas Paquetá, who joined for £50 million. Kudus hit the ground running in his debut Premier League season, contributing 14 goals and 6 assists in 45 games, quickly becoming one of the league’s exciting young talents. However, his following season saw a dip in form with only 5 goals and 4 assists in 35 appearances, a factor that may have influenced West Ham’s openness to selling him.
The player’s standout moment on the international stage came during the 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup group stage, where Kudus scored multiple goals against South Korea, leading Ghana to a memorable victory. This performance elevated his profile globally and underscored his potential to be a game-changer at the highest level.
Tottenham, under the guidance of new Danish head coach Thomas Frank, has prioritized strengthening their right-wing options this summer. The tactical reshuffle saw Deyan Kulusevski shift to a central attacking midfield role, while Brennan Johnson’s impact was deemed insufficient relative to his attacking output. Kudus’s pace, technical ability, and tactical versatility make him an ideal candidate to fill this gap, and Frank views him as a top transfer target.
On July 6, 2025 (Korea time), Fabrizio Romano, a respected transfer market journalist, reported that Kudus is not in talks with any club other than Tottenham and has already given his approval to join their project. Romano stated, "Kudus is not negotiating with any other club. He wants to move to Tottenham. He has already said 'yes' to the Tottenham project. His clear intention is to join Tottenham." This unequivocal stance from the player adds pressure on West Ham to reach an agreement.
However, West Ham United remains firm on their valuation. According to David Ornstein from The Athletic, Tottenham's initial offer of £50 million (approximately 93 billion KRW) was rejected by West Ham. Negotiations are ongoing, but the London rivals’ tense relationship complicates the process. West Ham's management is wary of strengthening a direct competitor, especially one with whom they share a fierce local rivalry. The Guardian highlighted that West Ham might be forced to sell if they cannot meet the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), which require clubs to balance their finances. Selling key players like Kudus is seen as a necessary step to fund further squad improvements under new manager Graham Potter.
West Ham's reluctance to sell at a bargain price is understandable given Kudus’s potential and their investment in him. The player joined West Ham for £38 million (approximately 70.8 billion KRW) from Ajax, and his contract still has three years remaining. Moreover, he has a buy-out clause set at £85 million (approximately 158.4 billion KRW), though Tottenham aims to secure his services for less.
Adding complexity to the transfer saga, other top clubs have expressed interest in Kudus. Chelsea FC, among at least six elite European teams, has reportedly reached out to the player’s representatives, signaling that Tottenham faces stiff competition. Despite this, Tottenham is keen to accelerate negotiations and is expected to submit an improved offer soon, as Romano revealed that the club plans to make another bid in the coming week.
From Kudus’s perspective, joining Tottenham presents an opportunity to compete in the UEFA Champions League. Tottenham secured their spot in Europe’s elite competition by winning the Europa League, aligning with Kudus’s ambition to play at the highest continental level. His eagerness to leave London Stadium for a club with Champions League football is a significant factor in his insistence on the move.
During the recent season, Kudus also faced disciplinary challenges. In a Premier League match against Tottenham, he received a five-game suspension due to an emotional outburst involving aggressive conduct towards match officials, including referee Mike Dean and VAR official Paul Tierney. This incident might have affected his form and West Ham’s assessment of his overall contribution.
While the transfer remains unresolved, the situation is dynamic. West Ham’s stance reflects both financial pragmatism and rivalry considerations. Tottenham’s persistence and Kudus’s clear preference for the move could eventually bridge the gap in valuations. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as this high-profile transfer drama unfolds amid the busy summer market.
In sum, Mohammed Kudus stands at a crossroads, eager to join Tottenham Hotspur and embrace a new chapter in his career, while West Ham balances financial realities with competitive ambitions. The coming weeks will reveal whether this transfer materializes, potentially reshaping the Premier League’s attacking landscape.
