Georgiy Sudakov, Graham Potter, West Ham
(Credit: Imago)
Joe Elvin
Sun 3 August 2025 7:40, UK
West Ham are in the race to sign Shakhtar Donetsk star Georgiy Sudakov, and they’ve discovered what it will cost to get him.
The Hammers were willing to bid £30million to sign the Ukrainian playmaker.
However, it appears that his club want significantly more.
Georgiy Sudakov in action for Ukraine
Sudakov already has 29 caps for Ukraine (Credit: Imago)
Donetsk want at least £40m for Sudakov
It’s no secret that West Ham need additional flair players after selling Mohammed Kudus, and Graham Potter has identified Sudakov as the man to fill that gap.
However, the deal has hit a brick wall due to a severe difference in valuations of the player.
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Alan Nixon, via The Sun on Sunday’s print edition (3 August, page 58), reports that the Ukrainian club want at least £40m for Sudakov, who is described as a “midfield magician”.
Sudakov enjoyed a breakthrough season for Donetsk in 2024-25, hitting 15 goals from midfield.
Donetsk only finished third in the Ukrainian Premier League last season, but they now see Sudakov as a key player, so it’s little wonder they’re not willing to sell him on the cheap.
The Ukrainian club have started their season early to compete in the Europa League from the first qualifying round.
They drew 0-0 at Finnish side FC Ilves without Sudakov in the team, but won the home leg 6-0 when he started.
Graham Potter sitting
Graham Potter sees Sudakov as a player capable of unlocking Premier League defences (Credit: Imago)
West Ham wary of overpaying for Ukrainian star Sudakov
The Hammers have been tracking Sudakov for a while. They had been linked with a January move for the 22-year-old while Julen Lopetegui was still in charge.
However, it has been suggested that West Ham are wary of overpaying for the Ukrainian.
The East London club would seemingly rather pursue other targets that meet Donetsk’s asking price.
That suggests Potter isn’t completely sold on the Ukrainian’s ability to consistently unlock Premier League defences.
After all, going by statistics alone, he would appear to be worth at least £40m in today’s transfer market.
Appearances Minutes Played Goals Assists
37 3109 15 5
Georgiy Sudakov 2024-25 statistics
Sudakov is just 22 years old, but he’s a regular starter for Ukraine and registered 20 goal contributions last season. His contract doesn’t expire until 2028.
If West Ham won’t stump up £40m for him, Donetsk will be confident of another club doing so in the future.
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