There could hardly be a starker contrast between the respective statements provided by West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur as Mohammed Kudus swapped one Premier League outfit for another.
West Ham’s farewell message accounted for just 58 words and three short paragraphs. No room for emotion, and even less for sentiment.
Tottenham, in contrast, appear keen to milk the excitement surrounding the Ghana international’s sudden arrival in North London for all it’s worth.
Daniel Levy convinced David Sullivan to accept just £54.5 million for Mohammed Kudus earlier in the week. Now, as of Thursday night, Kudus is the officially the first player to leave West Ham United for Spurs since Scott Parker crossed the divide 14 years previously.
And in a welcome brimming with enthusiasm and excitement, via Tottenham’s official website, the Europa League winners provided a detailed description of Kudus’ strengths, his achievements, and the origin story of a footballer viewed as the posterboy of Ghana’s prestigious Right to Dream academy.
Mohammed Kudus during West Ham United FC v Nottingham Forest FC - Premier League
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
Tottenham Hotspur confirm Mohammed Kudus arrival from West Ham United
Tottenham apparently could not resist a dig at their London neighbours too, and we don’t mean West Ham.
It is no secret that Chelsea wanted to lure Mohammed Kudus to Stamford Bridge, even after landing both Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro at considerable expense.
It became pretty apparent in the lead up to Thursday’s announcement, however, that Kudus only wanted Tottenham Hotspur. A point his new employers were only too happy to reiterate.
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“We are delighted to announce the signing of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United, subject to work permit,” the statement reads.
“The Ghana international has agreed a long-term contract and will wear the number 20 shirt.”
Tottenham describe Kudus as an ‘exciting and direct attacker’. They also make reference to the highlight moment of his two-season spell down the road at the London Stadium; a ‘sensational solo effort’ against SC Freiburg in the Europa League which earned the former Ajax star a Puskas Award nomination in 2024.
Kudus takes Dele Alli’s old shirt number at Spurs
Kudus receives the number 20 shirt most commonly associated with former Spurs sensation Dele Alli during happier times.
Ex-Tottenham captain Michael Dawson also represented the club with 20 on his back, with experienced goalkeeper Fraser Forster the most recent to wear the kit.
“West Ham United can confirm that Mohammed Kudus has completed a transfer to Tottenham Hotspur for an undisclosed fee,” reads a far blunter statement visible on the Hammers website.
“The 24-year-old Ghana international departs having made 80 appearances and scored 19 goals during a two-year spell with the Hammers.
“West Ham United would like to thank Mohammed for his service and wish him well for the future.”
Kudus had an £85 million release clause in his contract specifically for rival Premier League clubs.
After Kudus rejected a £320,000-a-week switch to Saudi Arabia, he now joins Tottenham at what many frustrated supporters will consider a heavily discounted fee.
The upside is that, with £54.5 million now burning a hole in Graham Potter’s pocket, West Ham can now step up their interest in leading targets such as El Hadji Malick Diouf, Oscar Mingueza and Raphael Onyedika.