The future of Mohammed Kudus remains a hot topic as we anticipate Graham Potter‘s plans for the summer transfer window.
The winger’s form has been a serious issue this season, having scored just three goals and made two assists in 27 first-team outings this season. It represents a significant drop off in form for the 24-year-old, who scored 14 goals and made six assists in 45 appearances in his maiden season in east London last term.
Kudus has been regularly linked with a move away from London Stadium, with the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal previously touted as potential suitors.
The Ghanaian’s form this season appears to have quietened those rumours of late, but that hasn’t stopped West Ham fans from questioning his long term future in claret and blue.
We saw first hand how good Kudus can be when he’s on form during his first season as he dazzled crowds with his direct attacking play, pace and clinical finishing. One of his goals was even nominated for the Puskas Award.
On the other hand, the winger has been a shadow of that player for large parts of this season and has failed to find his form even since Graham Potter replaced Julen Lopetegui in the dugout over three months ago.
There has also been speculation that West Ham may be forced to sell Kudus this summer regardless, as they look to raise funds for a much bigger squad rebuild as Potter attempts to establish a squad capable of implementing his ideas and tactics effectively.
West Ham don’t need to sell Mohammed Kudus
Mohammed Kudus
But Chief football news reporter for BBC Sport, Simon Stone, has believes that’s not the case and that Kudus will only be allowed to leave the club if Potter doesn’t see him in his long term plans, not because they need to grow the summer’s transfer kitty.
Writing in response to reader questions on BBC Sport, Stone wrote: “I don’t think West Ham have to sell Kudus.
“That is not to say he will remain at the club. He has done enough to show he could be valuable to any number of teams and there is bound to be interest in the summer.”
But Stone also acknowledged that his lack of form this season could lead to West Ham deciding to listen to offers.
“I think Kudus tends to drift in and out of games,” he added.
“Keeping him interested during matches is the key. But, as I say, it may be someone else’s problem next season.”
Stone did proceed to hint that West Ham could make the bold decision to sell both Kudus and Lucas Paqueta in the summer if Potter wants to oversee a complete squad overhaul.
“Would West Ham sell both? I would be a brave move bit it would allow Graham Potter to shape the squad the way he wants, form goalkeeper to the top end of the pitch.”