Newcastle United have reportedly dropped out of the race to sign West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus, according to today’s Telegraph.
The Magpies were previously rumoured to be interested in the Ghanaian star after having a bid rejected by Nottingham Forest for Anthony Elanga. However, the latest report suggests Eddie Howe and Newcastle remain focused on landing Elanga and no longer hold any interest in Kudus.
It’s news that removes one potential suitor from what has often felt like a merry-go-round of Kudus transfer speculation. The West Ham winger has regularly been linked with Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs, Manchester United—and, of course, Newcastle.
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With the Toon now out of the picture, competition for Kudus has narrowed, and the chances of a bidding war have likely reduced. That could play into the hands of clubs like Arsenal and Spurs, who are reportedly offering around £50 million—well short of West Ham’s £65 million valuation.
However, if the West Ham board stay true to their word and inject their own funds into the summer transfer pot, they may be in a stronger position to resist lowball offers.
For now, Kudus remains a Hammer—but it’s safe to say this won’t be the last twist in the increasingly tedious transfer saga.