West Ham United are in danger of being forced to sell Mohammed Kudus for less than his release clause as admirers have sniffed an opportunity to make cut-price offers after being made aware of his desire to seal a move away from the London Stadium, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Although the Hammers have completed the £32.8million acquisition of Jean-Clair Todibo during the initial 10-day transfer window, having had an obligation to keep the central defender on a permanent basis after avoiding relegation from the Premier League, head coach Graham Potter is planning to make further alterations to his squad.
Aaron Cresswell, Lukasz Fabianski, Vladimir Coufal and Danny Ings will leave West Ham as free agents when their contracts expire at the end of the month - which will ease the strain on the wage bill as they pocket a combined total of £275,000-per-week - and Kudus could also head through the exit door in the coming months.
Kudus Aims to Complete Hammers Departure
East Londoners' position weakened due to winger's stance
Mohammed Kudus in action for West Ham United
Kudus wants to quit West Ham after attracting summer interest, according to GMS sources, and there are fears behind the scenes that his wish to embark on a fresh challenge has put his current employers in a weaker position to fend off approaches while the transfer window is open for business.
There are three separate release clauses written into the winger's contract, with European sides able to pounce for £80million, Premier League counterparts having the opportunity to leave the Hammers helpless by forking out £85million and Saudi Pro League big-spenders needing to pay £120million.
GMS sources have been informed that Chelsea have been showing a willingness to negotiate a multi-player swap deal which would involve Kudus moving from West Ham, while four more domestic rivals have included him on their shortlist of potential acquisitions after ending the 2024/25 campaign with nine goal involvements in all competitions.
The 24-year-old has been described as 'world-class' and, despite remaining among the first names on the team sheet since Potter replaced Julen Lopetegui in the hot-seat in January, he has decided that he is keen to move onto pastures new after being unable to spearhead the Hammers towards European qualification.
West Ham are concerned that interested parties will not attempt to activate Kudus' release clause due to being aware that he sees his future elsewhere, GMS sources have learned, leading to influential figures having concerns that they may end up having to accept a discount offer as they look to boost their budget by sanctioning departures.
Admirers Looking to Take Advantage of Plans
Suitors know Potter wants to sell before landing reinforcements
West Ham United head coach Graham Potter on the touchline
GMS sources have been told in private briefings that West Ham are looking to sell members of their current squad before bringing in reinforcements, resulting in suitors believing the east Londoners could cave in if a bid around the £60million mark is lodged as they need the cash and Kudus is interested in making an exit.
Although the Ghana international still has three years remaining on his £90,000-per-week contract, which would usually allow the Hammers to be under no pressure to sanction his departure unless the release clause is triggered, it has been acknowledged that they will not want to run the risk of him causing disruption if he does not get his wish to leave.
Admirers are starting to learn about West Ham's determination to boost their budget through sales, GMS sources understand, and they are planning to try their luck with cut-price proposals as they aim to take advantage of becoming aware of Kudus' eagerness to take his career in another direction.
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GMS sources recently revealed that the capital club are set to receive an offer in the region of £85million from Al-Nassr for the former Ajax talisman this summer, meaning that a switch to the Saudi Pro League could be on the cards unless Chelsea or another domestic counterpart quickly heads to the negotiating table.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 06/06/2025
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