⚒️ Mohammed Kudus and West Ham United: An Uncertain Future
📊 West Ham’s Financial Necessities
As we already know, West Ham United finds itself in a precarious financial position as the summer transfer window opens. The Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) in the Premier League are strict — and clubs who fail to comply risk significant penalties. For a club like West Ham, which has invested heavily in improving its squad in recent years, this situation is becoming urgent.
💥 The Challenge of Balancing the Books
West Ham’s squad has been bolstered by several key signings over the past few seasons, with players such as Lucas Paquetá, Said Benrahma, and Jarrod Bowen forming part of the club’s attack. The club also significantly boosted its squad depth in defense and midfield. However, as with many mid-table clubs, these improvements have been accompanied by rising wage bills and transfer fees that must be accounted for under PSR regulations.
In this context, Mohammed Kudus — with his £70 million market value — represents a prime asset who could be sacrificed to ensure financial balance. While the sale of a star player is never ideal, it may be necessary for West Ham to avoid the kind of sanctions that could derail their ambitions in the years ahead. This could explain why the club is considering selling the Ghanaian so early in the window, especially as they look to maximize his value.
📈 The Broader Impact of Kudus’ Sale on West Ham’s Strategy
For Graham Potter, selling a player of Kudus’ caliber would be a significant blow to his plans, especially after a solid first season at the helm. Kudus has been a key figure in West Ham’s attack, contributing with goals, assists, and fluid link-up play across multiple attacking positions. His versatility — able to play as a winger, attacking midfielder, or even in a striker role — has allowed Potter to experiment with various tactical setups, making him an important part of the manager’s plans.
However, West Ham United’s future depends on financial survival and sustainability. Kudus’ sale would not just be a financial necessity but also a means to free up resources to strengthen in other key areas of the pitch. In many ways, West Ham’s strategy for the 2024/25 season hinges on how much they can recoup for their star player, and whether they can reinvest that sum into fresh talent to bolster the squad.
🏆 The Premier League Interest: Spurs and Arsenal
The Premier League has long been the ideal hunting ground for top-tier talent, and Mohammed Kudus is no exception. The attacking midfielder/winger has caught the eye of several Premier League clubs, most notably Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal. Let’s take a deeper look at how Kudus fits into the plans of these two clubs and the complexities of negotiating a deal.
⚪ Tottenham’s Tactical Vision: A Flexible Forward for Postecoglou
At Tottenham Hotspur, Ange Postecoglou is tasked with reshaping a team that has underperformed in recent years. Postecoglou’s high-pressing, possession-based football relies on players who are not only capable of defending high up the pitch but also adept at linking play and providing creativity in attack.
Kudus, with his ability to operate both centrally and wide, offers flexibility and creativity that Tottenham desperately needs. He would be an excellent foil for Son Heung-min, providing further support in the attacking third, and could even act as a backup for Harry Kane if the striker leaves.
While Tottenham is very interested, their initial bid has reportedly not met West Ham’s valuation, raising questions about how serious the club is in pursuing the deal. A lower offer risks dragging out negotiations, which could force West Ham to look elsewhere.
If Kudus were to join Spurs, the tactical fit would be nearly perfect for both the player and the manager. Kudus would have the chance to thrive in a team that prioritizes quick transitions and attacking play, which would suit his skillset perfectly. He’d also be in a position to challenge for European spots and perhaps even push for silverware — if Postecoglou can implement his vision successfully.
🔴 Arsenal’s Tactical Needs: Adding Depth and Quality
At Arsenal, Mikel Arteta’s project is already one of the most exciting in European football. The club has been building a team capable of competing with Manchester City for the Premier League title, and Mohammed Kudus fits the bill in terms of versatility and creativity.
While Arsenal’s front line is already stacked with talents like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard, Arteta has shown a desire to rotate and ensure depth throughout the season. Kudus, who can play in multiple attacking roles, would bring this flexibility, allowing Arteta to rest key players during a grueling season. He would complement Martin Ødegaard in midfield and could form a dangerous partnership with Eddie Nketiah or Gabriel Jesus in attack.
The challenge for Arsenal is matching West Ham’s asking price, which has reportedly not happened yet. The Gunners’ reluctance to pay the full £70 million fee could be a reflection of their current transfer budget or an attempt to negotiate a lower price. If Arsenal does not make a competitive offer soon, Tottenham may find themselves in a better position to strike a deal.
💰 The Question of Selling to a Rival: Strategic Considerations
Both clubs are Premier League rivals, which complicates the decision for West Ham. Selling to either Tottenham or Arsenal would strengthen a direct competitor, something the club will be hesitant to do. The financial terms of any deal from a domestic rival would need to be much higher than what is currently on the table, or West Ham risks losing out on the full value of Kudus.
Moreover, strengthening a direct rival, especially one that could be competing for Champions League football, is a risky proposition. This is why West Ham United may be more inclined to sell Kudus abroad, where they won’t have to worry about reinforcing a Premier League foe.
🇸🇦 The Saudi Pro League: Neom FC’s Game-Changing Offer
The most surprising development has been the rise of Neom FC, a newly promoted team in the Saudi Pro League, which has launched an eye-popping offer for Mohammed Kudus. The club, backed by the enormous wealth of Saudi investors, is reportedly offering £70 million upfront, which aligns with West Ham’s valuation, but also proposing wages of up to £328,000 per week — a sum that most European clubs cannot come close to matching.
💸 The Financial Lure of Saudi Arabia: Why Kudus Might Be Tempted
The financial offer from Neom FC is so massive that it may be too difficult for Kudus to turn down. A contract worth close to £17 million annually would set Kudus up for life, ensuring his financial security far beyond what a typical Premier League club could provide.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s rise as a footballing hub presents an intriguing opportunity. While many players initially viewed a move to the Saudi Pro League as a sign of winding down their careers, the recent influx of top-level talent and investment has made the region an increasingly attractive destination. Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and N’Golo Kanté are just a few of the names who have made the leap, signaling that Saudi football is intent on growing its profile globally.
For Kudus, moving to Neom would offer prominent playing time in a top-tier league that is only getting stronger. He would be a key figure in a project that seeks to put Neom on the map as a footballing force, much like Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, and Al-Ittihad have done with their signings.
⚖️ West Ham’s Tactical and Financial Strategy Moving Forward
Given the financial realities at West Ham, the club should be actively pursuing a deal with Neom FC, despite Kudus’ initial hesitations about moving to Saudi Arabia. A sale to Saudi Arabia ensures that West Ham receive their full £70 million asking price, which is critical for compliance with PSR regulations.
From a tactical standpoint, if Kudus moves to Neom, West Ham would need to replace his output, which has been invaluable to their attack. Possible replacements include more established talents or younger, hungry players looking to make a name for themselves in the Premier League. The club could target players who offer flexibility, like Jude Bellingham, or those who could provide creativity in midfield, like Czech midfielder Tomas Soucek.
🔮 Looking Ahead: The Future of Kudus and West Ham
This transfer window represents a crucial juncture for Mohammed Kudus and West Ham United. The next few weeks could have lasting consequences, not just for Kudus’ career, but also for the future of the club. Whatever the outcome — whether Kudus stays in Europe or accepts Saudi Arabia’s offer — the ramifications will be felt across multiple leagues, impacting West Ham’s short-term strategy and Kudus’ long-term career.
As negotiations continue, all eyes will be on Kudus’ decision — and the manner in which West Ham navigates this tricky transfer. Will they get their full £70 million valuation? And if Kudus chooses Neom, will Saudi Arabia continue to attract top-tier talent in the years to come? These questions will continue to shape the conversation for months to come.