West Ham signal Kudus from Ajax as post-Rice spending spree continues
The Ghanaian attacking midfielder heads to the Premier League from Eredivisie giants Ajax in a deal price round £38million plus add-ons, having been on the switch radar of a number of high English golf equipment throughout the summer season window.
Kudus has signed a five-year contract at West Ham and can put on the No14 shirt lately vacated by Ivorian winger Maxwel Cornet, who moved to No17 for the 2023/24 marketing campaign. His deal is alleged to incorporate the choice for an additional 12 months, with a sell-on clause secured by Ajax.
The 23-year-old, who was additionally of curiosity to Chelsea at one stage and equally linked with Arsenal and Brighton amongst many others, is David Moyes’ fourth summer season signing of the summer season after offers for midfield pair James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez plus former Arsenal defender Konstantinos Mavropanos, who joined for £20m from Stuttgart earlier this week.
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West Ham have battled to strengthen their squad after the blockbuster £105m sale of talismanic captain Declan Rice to Arsenal in July, with Kudus forming a part of the general midfield succession plan.
He may make his Hammers debut on Friday evening as Moyes’ aspect, who briefly went high of the early top-flight desk after a 3-1 win at Brighton on Saturday continued their spectacular unbeaten begin to the brand new season, journey to face newly-promoted Luton at Kenilworth Road.
“I’ve been dreaming to play in a league like this since I was a kid,” Kudus informed West Ham’s official web site after the deal was formally introduced.
“I’ve been dreaming of this moment and I’m so happy to be here. But it doesn’t stop here, I want to keep going.
“I try my best to entertain the fans as I think that’s what football is all about. I’m just here to do my best and help the team. I’m really happy to be here. I will fight for the badge. I can’t wait to get started.”
On the arrival of Kudus, Moyes mentioned: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to bring Mohammed to West Ham United. He’s a terrific young talent, who has already shone at the very highest level for Ajax in the Champions League and made well over 150 senior appearances at the age of 23 – so it was no surprise to see so many top clubs chasing his signature this summer.
“The fact we’ve been able to attract a player of his undoubted quality to London Stadium shows the pull West Ham have now – the Board and [technical director] Tim [Steidten] deserve huge credit for getting this one over the line.”