As [Sean Whetstone](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-exclusive-irons-reject-chelsea-kudus-offer/) wrote earlier this month, West Ham will not entertain any low-ball offers for Mohammed Kudus. If their price target cannot be met the player may have to consider a move to Saudi or remain a Hammers player for the new season – which will certainly raise a few eyebrows amongst those taking it for granted that Kudus must be sold at any price.
Kudus, aged 24, joined West Ham in August 2023 for a fee of £39.5m. The Ghanian is contracted to the London club until June 30th 2028 with an option for a further year. If he can recapture his previous form, the Hammers could sell for £85m (which is his exit clause) or even higher from a Saudi team in the next transfer window.
Despite suggested issues around Profit & Sustainability Rules (PSR), it would be financially better for West Ham to retain the player if they can achieve a higher fee at a later date.
In 2023/24 Kudus completed 124 dribbles, the highest in the Premier League with 14 goals and 6 assists. Last season, he netted 6 goals and provided 5 assists.
His agency ROOF are speaking to a number of clubs, with Chelsea, Arsenal and Newcastle the only Premier League clubs to have begun discussions. Kudus would ideally like to play for a team in the Champions League, yet West Ham hold the keys to any decision, and will not give way to his demands, if their price is not met.
The London club have other sellable assets, and if they make limited progress may go into the new season with Paqueta (subject to the outcome of his hearing)\* Alvarez, Aguerd and Kudus all playing in a claret and blue shirt. Graham Potter has already confirmed he is looking at making gradual changes rather than a complete squad overhaul and will give opportunities to some of the younger academy players, in particular George Earthy and Freddie Potts.
This could indicate a preference for focussing on developing the existing squad and implementing tactical changes to improve performance. However, with the transfer window set to re-open on 16th June to 1st September a lot could happen between now and then.
_\*Lucas Paqueta strenuously denies all of the allegations against him_