West Ham United have officially announced the signing of Ghana international Mohammed Kudus.
The 23-year-old attacking midfielder joined from AFC Ajax after a summer transfer saga that saw him discuss with Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton and Hove Albion and saw Ajax turn down approaches from Chelsea and Arsenal because they wanted to keep the player.
The former Nordsjælland man was insistent on leaving, however, leading to the club striking a deal worth £38.5 million with the Hammers.
The East London club have put the £105 million from the transfer of Declan Rice to Arsenal to good use. Edson Alvarez went ahead of Kudus from Ajax and James Ward-Prowse was brought in from Southampton. Konstantinos Mavropanos also joined the club from Stuttgart for his second stint in the Premier League after failing to make an impact with Arsenal initially.
West Ham are flying high at the moment and Kudus’ addition is the icing on a cake that was delayed but eventually delivered to the London Stadium.
Kudus joins the Irons on a five-year contract and will get the number 14 shirt for the club. He is in line to make his debut in the league when West Ham travel to newcomers Luton Town on 1 September, which, coincidentally, happens to be the last day of the 2023 summer transfer window.
Due to his versatility, he will compete for places with Jarrod Bowen, Said Benrahma and fellow new signing Ward-Prowse.
Speaking to the Hammers media after his signing was announced, Kudus, who scored a hattrick as a parting gift to Ajax last week in their UEFA Europa League playoffs, said: “I’ve been dreaming to play in a league like this since I was a kid.
“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.”
West Ham manager David Moyes also expressed delight to have finally gotten the Ghana international ahead of all the other clubs who were interested in him. “I’m delighted we’ve been able to bring Mohammed to West Ham United,” said the manager.
“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 Tim deserve huge credit for getting this one over the line.”
