In the case of Mohammed Kudus, West Ham United’s most mercurial of talents, how much is too much?
There are no fewer than three release clauses in the Ghana international’s contract.
And while West Ham will not get the £125 million required from Saudi Arabian clubs – Mohammed Kudus has reportedly turned his nose up at a switch to the Middle East – interest from a handful of Premier League rivals means that, when the day comes for the former Ajax winger to depart the London Stadium, he will likely fall just shy of Declan Rice in the Hammers’ all-time record sales.
Kudus has an £85 million release clause specifically for rival Premier League teams. Newcastle are one of those rumoured to be targeting the 24-year-old, after former Magpies boss Alan Pardew labelled Kudus ‘unplayable’ on his day.
But Ally McCoist, the Rangers legend and everybody’s favourite pundit, cannot help but feel the fees involved are a little on the steep side.
Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Ally McCoist gives verdict on Mohammed Kudus leaving West Ham United for Newcastle
McCoist views Newcastle as an ideal fit for a footballer whose fearsome running power and his penchant for the spectacular could prove a perfect fit alongside Anthony Gordon, Jacob Murphy and Harvey Barnes.
But not for a fee that would see Kudus overtake Sandro Tonali and Alexander Isak as the biggest addition in Magpies’ history.
“West Ham fans will be devastated to lose him. I think he would be an absolute superstar for Newcastle,” McCoist tells talkSPORT. “But not for [a fee in the region of] £75m!
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“The price-tag is just too much.”
Hammers News understands that Chelsea offered Jadon Sancho to West Ham as part of a deal that would have seen Kudus swap the London Stadium for Stamford Bridge. Axel Disasi, Trevoh Chalobah, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Robert Sanchez and Tosin Adarabioyo were also mentioned in those discussions.
Arsenal reportedly tested the waters with an offer of around £50 million recently, meanwhile. But, as a West Ham source explains, bids of that size will be ‘laughed out of the room’.
Julen Lopetegui’s assistant coach tips Kudus for Chelsea
Former Hammers coach Edu Rubio feels Chelsea may be the ideal destination for Kudus if the London rivals can find some common ground, particularly with Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke spending much of their time charging down blind alleys.
“Mohammed Kudus can add more attacking threat to Chelsea now that Jadon Sancho is confirmed to go back to Manchester United after the end of his loan spell,” Rubio tells BBC Sport.
“Kudus is a very versatile attacker, like Chelsea duo Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke. He can play down both flanks and come inside into the middle. He fits Blues manager Enzo Maresca’s 4-2-3-1 system as well, as he is the type of winger he likes.
“But he can also add an aggressive high-press style. His approach to close down the man on the ball is exceptional. He is rapid, intense and effective with it.”
“Kudus can also add goals into the Chelsea squad,” adds the one-time Valencia, MK Dons and Crystal Palace coach. “His work rate off the ball is very good too.
“He may need to improve his decision-making when on the ball. At times, a pass-and-go can be more effective than trying to beat your man one-on-one.
“Overall, he can add goals to this Chelsea side, has great work rate off the ball, and can contribute to the winning mentality that the Blues have got back into after their Conference League success.”