Tottenham Hotspur are gearing up for a bold new chapter as they eye a significant summer transfer move, targeting West Ham United’s versatile winger Mohammed Kudus. This potential signing would not only mark a major strategic push for the North London club but also break a 14-year-long unofficial transfer embargo between the fierce London rivals.
Following a turbulent 2024/25 season, Tottenham made a striking decision to part ways with Ange Postecoglou despite clinching the UEFA Europa League title. The club’s Premier League campaign was a stark contrast, finishing 17th in the league, which prompted the appointment of Thomas Frank as the new head coach. Frank’s arrival signals a fresh vision, focusing on rebuilding a squad capable of competing at the highest levels domestically and in Europe.
Central to Tottenham’s summer plans is the acquisition of Mohammed Kudus, the 24-year-old Ghanaian winger currently at West Ham United. Kudus, who joined the Hammers in 2023 from Ajax for around £35-40 million, has been a standout player despite West Ham’s struggles. His debut season saw him net 14 goals and provide six assists across all competitions, helping West Ham secure a respectable 9th-place finish and a Europa League quarter-final berth.
However, Kudus’s form dipped in the 2024/25 season, tallying just five goals and four assists in 35 appearances as West Ham slumped to 14th place. Despite this, his underlying statistics highlight his attacking threat and versatility. Kudus averaged 2.61 shot attempts and 3.72 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes in the Premier League, alongside 3.41 progressive carries and 2.75 progressive passes, showcasing his ability to drive play forward and create danger.
Comparatively, Kudus outperformed Tottenham’s top scorers Brennan Johnson and Dominic Solanke in key attacking metrics, making him a highly attractive target for Spurs. His ability to operate across the front line—including both wings, attacking midfield, and even as a striker—offers Thomas Frank tactical flexibility to reshape Tottenham’s attacking dynamics.
Adding to the intrigue, Kudus scored against Tottenham last season and was sent off in a 4-1 defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a reminder of his competitive edge and the intensity of this potential transfer saga.
Tottenham’s interest in Kudus has been confirmed by multiple sources, including journalist Matt Law of The Telegraph. Spurs are reportedly optimistic about negotiating a fee below the winger’s £85 million release clause, which is only active during the first 10 days of July 2025. This clause presents a narrow window for Tottenham to act decisively.
West Ham, under new manager Graham Potter, are open to selling Kudus to fund a summer rebuild after a disappointing season. Potter’s squad overhaul ambitions align with the club’s willingness to entertain offers for one of their most sellable assets.
If the transfer goes through, Kudus would be the first player to move directly from West Ham to Tottenham since Scott Parker’s 2011 move. This would break a long-standing unofficial embargo between the clubs, which has seen few direct transfers over the past decade-plus. Notably, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy blocked a potential move of Emmanuel Adebayor to West Ham in 2015, maintaining the chilly transfer relations.
Tottenham’s pursuit of Kudus also comes amid interest in other wide players such as Antoine Semenyo, Eberechi Eze, Bryan Mbeumo, and Jack Grealish. However, sources suggest that Kudus is currently the frontrunner to bolster Spurs’ attacking options, especially given his Premier League and Champions League experience.
Tottenham’s ambition to return to the upper echelons of the Premier League and make a mark in the Champions League is clear. Daniel Levy’s vision for the club includes marquee signings capable of elevating the team’s competitive edge. Kudus fits this profile perfectly, offering a unique skill set and positional versatility that could challenge current starters like Brennan Johnson and fill the void likely to be left by Son Heung-min’s anticipated departure.
Tottenham has already strengthened their squad by securing France U21 international Mathys Tel on a permanent deal for €35 million after a loan spell, signaling a broader strategy of investing in young, dynamic talent.
Despite the optimism, Tottenham’s initial £50 million bid for Kudus was reportedly rejected by West Ham, indicating that negotiations may be complex and require further effort. Spurs will also need to manage their finances carefully, potentially by selling players and possibly seeking fresh investment from owners ENIC or external sources.
The potential signing of Kudus is not without controversy. Moving directly between fierce London rivals is rare and can make a player unpopular with former fans. Kudus’s move would undoubtedly spark debate among supporters, but his professional ambition and Tottenham’s Champions League football offer a compelling proposition.
Meanwhile, West Ham face a summer of transition with the departures of long-serving players such as Aaron Cresswell, Vladimir Coufal, and Lukas Fabianski. The future of Michail Antonio remains uncertain as he recovers from a serious car crash but has recently returned to international action with Jamaica.
As the transfer window opens, all eyes will be on Tottenham and West Ham to see if this landmark deal can be completed. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether Tottenham can break their transfer embargo and secure a player who could be pivotal to their resurgence in English and European football.
For now, the situation is developing, and fans across London will be watching closely as this high-profile transfer saga unfolds.
