The Ghanaian international broke onto the European scene with Ajax and garnered the aristocracy’s attention. However, it looked like the typically savvy Brighton were bound to land another gem having agreed a deal with the Dutch club, before the Hammers, who entered negotiations with a swagger off the back of their Conference League triumph, swooped and secured the services of Ghana’s budding superstar.
Kudus was excellent in a transition-heavy side last term and has been limited to mere flashes due to a lenghty suspension under Julen Lopetegui this time around.
The 24-year-old has shown an ability to perform a litany of roles to a very high level, and the ease at which he’s taken to the Premier League means clubs remain on red alert. Reports of a £85m release clause have got potential suitors considering their 2025 transfer plans, with interest in Kudus still rife.
Here’s how 90min ranks the Ghanaian’s potential destinations based on suitability, the club’s needs and likelihood of the deal happening.
With the 2034 World Cup officially confirmed as Saudi Arabia’s, expect the string pullers in the Gulf to embark on a bullish 2025 on the transfer front.
They’ve been able to attract an impressive group of European talent to their Pro League so far, but we’re yet to see too many stars who aren’t past their prime opt for a Saudi adventure.
Kudus, given his talent, would be a big coup for the division. Al Ittihad were linked in the summer, and the PIF-backed clubs of course have the cash to trigger the playmaker’s West Ham release clause.
However, the 24-year-old surely isn’t ready for a European exit just yet. Kudus will not be shy of options if he pushes for a move out of east London, with wiser career choices bound to be on the table.
The remaining clubs that have so far been linked with a Kudus move are all very familiar with what the Ghanaian is capable of. Last season, St James’ Park caught a first-hand glimpse of Kudus’ brilliance as the playmaker scored West Ham’s second in a 4-3 defeat for the Hammers.
A move to Tyneside would perhaps be somewhat of a sideways move for Kudus given Newcastle’s issues over the past 18 months, but the Magpies are laden with ambition and Kudus is the sort of signing that would convince the likes of Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes to remain at the club.
With Eddie Howe well-stocked in his midfield engine room, Kudus would likely occupy one of the flanks. Newcastle desperately need an upgrade down the right, and the addition of the Ghanaian would allow Howe to deploy an absolute box-office frontline comprised of Anthony Gordon, Isak and Kudus.
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