English Premier League side West Ham Football Club has opened initial talks with Ajax Amsterdam over the potential signing of Ghana midfielder Mohammed Kudus.
According to football transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the Hammers see Kudus as a potential replacement for Lucas Paqueta should the Brazilian move to Manchester City.
Paqueta is reportedly a top target for Man City following an injury to Kevin De Bruyne and exits of Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan.
Kudus was heavily linked to a move to fellow Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion earlier on in the transfer period but the deal has hit a snag recently.
Ajax issued a two day ultimatum to Brighton to wrap up the deal but the Seagulls couldn’t meet the ultimatum. (Click highlighted text to read report)
According to the Italian transfer guru, Romano, talks with Mohammed have been “positive” and Kudus is “open to the move”.
EXCL: West Ham now open initial talks to sign Mohammed Kudus — priority target in case Lucas Paquetá leaves to join Manchester City ⚒️🇬🇭 #WHUFC
Positive talks on player side, Kudus open to the move — still waiting to approach Ajax as deal will depend on Paquetá. pic.twitter.com/APjpMxVy56
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 14, 2023
In the wake of his 2022-2023 season where he registered 18 goals and seven assists in 42 games in all competitions, Kudus has been targeted by several clubs in the Premier League and Borussia Dortmund in Germany.
The in-demand wing-forward scored in the opening game of the 2023-2024 season in Ajax’s 4-1 win over Heracles this past weekend.
GOAAAAL
Mohammed Kudus
Ajax: 2-1: Heracles Almelo#ajaher pic.twitter.com/gKt87Mk9kp— ' Burak | Dutch League #Eredivisie 🇹🇷🇳🇱 (@DutchLeagues) August 12, 2023