The summer of two transfer windows has kicked off with Chelsea making their move for West Ham’s [Mohammed Kudus](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-exclusive-irons-reject-chelsea-kudus-offer/). The whole purpose of having an extended transfer season was to allow those clubs participating in FIFA’s Club World Cup championships to strengthen their sides at the end of a gruelling domestic season, before the competition kicks off with match day 1 on 16th June.
West Ham of course would like a deal concluded quickly but it is not essential. The window is open until 7pm on Monday 1st September and, sure, the Hammers need to sell Kudus in order to fund their acquisitions – but it doesn’t need to be next week.
Which puts them in a strong negotiating position compared with Chelsea who have their first fixture in FIFA CWC25 against León next Monday night. I’m sure they’d love to have a fit and firing Mohammed Kudus recruited and ready to join their squad by June 10th in order to be eligible to play in the competition.
So the clock is ticking: Will Chelsea play the long game or come up with the cash to secure Kudus’ registration before the Club World Cup? The names of players they were prepared to throw in the mix would certainly have piqued West Ham’s interest – but cash is king in these days of PSR so I’d guess they will need to find something approaching £70 million within the next four days for this Kudus sale to progress.
Watch this space.