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West Ham have been able to cultivate some stellar talent in recent years, but none more gifted than Mohamed Qudus.
The Ghanaian international broke onto the European scene with Ajax and caught the attention of the elite. However, it looked as if the normally astute Brighton were bound to land another gem after agreeing a deal with Dutch club, the Hammers, who entered negotiations with a bang on the back of their Conference League triumph, securing the services of the Ghanaian. A rising superstar.
Kudus was excellent in a transition-heavy side last term and has been limited to flashes this time around due to a lengthy suspension under Julen Lopetegui.
The 24-year-old has shown the ability to perform a litany of roles at the very highest level, and the ease with which he has taken to the Premier League means clubs remain on red alert. Reports of an £85m release clause have seen potential suitors consider their 2025 transfer plans, with Kudus still interested.
Here’s how 90 minutes Ranks Ghana’s potential destinations based on merit, club needs and likelihood of a deal.
With the 2034 World Cup officially confirmed as Saudi Arabia’s, string-pullers in the Gulf expect a boom in 2025 on the transfer front.
They have managed to attract an impressive group of European talent to their pro league so far, but we have yet to see many stars who haven’t passed on their prime for the Saudi venture.
Qudus, given his talent, would be a major coup for the division. Al Ittihad were linked in the summer, and the PIF-backed clubs certainly have the cash to trigger the playmaker’s West Ham release clause.
However, the 24-year-old is certainly not ready for a European exit just yet. Kudus won’t be shy of options should he push for a move out of east London, with sensible career choices on the table.
The rest of the clubs that have been linked with a Kudus move so far are all too familiar with what the Ghanaian is capable of. Last season, St James’ Park saw the first glimpse of Kudus’ brilliance as the playmaker scored a goal. West Hams The second in a 4-3 defeat for the Hammers.
A move to Tyneside might be somewhat of a lateral move for Kudus given Newcastle’s issues over the last 18 months, but the Magpies are brimming with ambition and Kudus is the type of signing that would convince the likes of Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes to stay. at the club.
With Eddie Howe well stocked in his midfield engine room, Kudus will likely occupy one side. Newcastle are in dire need of an upgrade on the right, and the addition of the Ghanaian would allow Howe to deploy a full box-office frontline comprising Anthony Gordon, Issac and Kudus.
Woof.
Mohamed Salah is an irresistible force down the right for Liverpool, but he won’t be around forever.
The Reds made a brilliant effort to sign Federico Chiesa in the summer, but the Italian’s fitness problems have raised the question of whether he can really be trusted.
You can’t replace Salah with a body, but Kudus would undoubtedly be a great addition to Arne Slott’s Reds. The Ghanaian can either fill the bottom side or be thrust into prominence as the Dutchman’s #10 – providing what Dominic Soboszlai lacks in finesse and technical expertise.
Liverpool is Huge admirers of Kudus And he looks to fit the mold of Michael Edwards, but the Reds won’t be making an £85m deal in the January transfer window.
Man City need players. They will take anyone. Well, you should be below 30 years of age, ideally, and also very good at sports.
Qudus is both things.
The Citizens’ rebuild begins in January, and it looks like the perennial Premier League champions will turn to the best their current domestic rivals boast as a means of hastening their recovery.
Kudus is no defensive machine, but he is fiercely athletic and City have sorely lacked physicality this term. While Guardiola can move the Ghanaian out wide, Kudus will suffer heavily from the positions Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden normally occupy.
The 24-year-old will have to change his profile somewhat to thrive under Guardiola, but there’s no denying that Kudus offers plenty of what the champions currently lack. In addition to his athleticism and direct ball carrying, Kudus is a distinct scoring threat. The Citizens are in dire need of scorers given their recent malaise amid Erling Haaland’s barren run.
City are going to spend big next year, and Kudus could be one of the building blocks for the next great iteration of Guardiola’s side.
At times, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are a tough watch, but they are an excellent side still capable of winning. Premier League title
However, many are skeptical of their chances due to their inconsistent attacking performances and reliance on Bukayo Saka. Arsenal have often looked unbalanced and one-dimensional this term, but Saka’s output and set pieces have kept them in a decent enough position.
Their current crop of attackers are certainly not capable of pushing Arteta’s side towards the title. They need one more. Once news of the possible availability of Kudus surfaced, Goonar’s ears perked up. It could be a person.
Kudus can operate from the left, but Arteta will have to vary his dynamics to ensure the Ghanaian operates from half-space as much as possible. He could also eat up Mikel Marino’s duel for Kudus’ guile and craft in Arsenal’s midfield three. Martin Odegaard and Kudus working together will certainly take the Gunners’ possession game to another level.
While the uniformity of control will be compromised, the addition of Kudus will provide Arsenal with great balance and further diversify their attack. It is certainly an attractive option in January.
