What Kudus Must Do to Facilitate a Transfer from West Ham

When Mohammed Kudus sealed his move to West Ham on August 27, 2023, the right winger, previously with Ajax in the Eredivisie, was relatively unknown to many fans.

His second season in the Dutch top flight was impressive, netting 11 goals and providing three assists, a stark improvement from his first season (2021/22), where he recorded just one goal and one assist from 16 appearances.

Tim Steidten, the Hammers’ technical director at the time, clearly recognised Kudus’s potential to enhance the squad alongside Edson Alvarez, which led to his arrival at the London Stadium.

Kudus made an immediate impact with his ball control and physical prowess, finishing the 2023/24 season with a commendable tally of eight goals and six assists in a notoriously demanding Premier League.

Kudus has lost his spark

However, over the past year, Kudus’s form has unfortunately dipped significantly. He managed only five goals and three assists in 32 matches (2,601 minutes, marking his highest playtime in a season).

Where he once charged relentlessly through opposing defences and scored outstanding goals, the 2024/25 season has seen him carry what appears to be a heavy weight on his shoulders.

Some performances have been so underwhelming that West Ham are now seriously contemplating a sale, though their £85 million asking price seems excessive, to say the least.

His passing rate has consistently maintained at above 84.5% during his time in East London, and has even improved over the past year, highlighting his skill in linking up with teammates.

He has also successfully regained possession on an impressive 376 occasions in his two seasons at the London Stadium.

Additionally, a tackle success rate of 60.5% in the 24/25 season showcases the more combative aspects of his game, which he seems to relish as much as his agility.

Time to boost shooting accuracy

However, one area that needs significant enhancement is his shooting.

With a shot accuracy of 47.8% last season being passable but far from exceptional, his conversion rate of a mere 6.7% is concerning for a player of his caliber.

It remains unclear if there’s a lack of confidence in this aspect of his game – particularly as it represents the poorest return of his career – but it may be this vulnerability that has prompted West Ham to entertain offers for a player who, not so long ago, seemed on the path to greatness.

Although he hasn’t completely fallen from favour with the West Ham supporters, he’s certainly lost the endearment he once held during his charming debut season.

Proceeds from a potential sale could prove crucial for a West Ham side navigating yet another period of transition.

Chelsea’s offer of players

Numerous reports have indicated that Chelsea offered a selection of their players in exchange for Kudus, but Hammers chairman David Sullivan is unlikely to be swayed by prospects like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Robert Sanchez, Carney Chukwuemeka, Tosin Adarabioyo, or Trevoh Chalobah.

Aside from the latter, the others have not made significant impacts under Enzo Maresca. Even taking Graham Potter’s familiarity with Chelsea’s squad into account, pursuing any of these players seems illogical.

The Hammers appear satisfied with their current goalkeeping lineup. Dewsbury-Hall has scarcely had a game in the last 18 months, and if Chukwuemeka and Adarabioyo are seen as surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge, it’s puzzling why Chelsea would believe these players would enhance their rivals.

Additionally, with Chelsea’s squad already brimming with attacking midfielders, it’s unclear how Kudus would fit into the team.

Sancho deal is off

Moreover, discussions regarding a potential swap with Manchester United involving Jadon Sancho were also in the mix, but it seems the club’s management was not convinced about where Sancho, who spent the previous season on loan at Chelsea, would slot into Graham Potter’s system, which led to the breakdown of negotiations.

Clearly, for West Ham to approach anything near their asking price, Kudus must re-establish his form, ideally in the early part of the season, and set his sights on a transfer to the highest bidder come January – unless clubs are willing to take a calculated risk during the second window in summer.

Having a discontented player in the squad is detrimental, particularly one capable of causing discord in the dressing room. It would be wiser to facilitate a move sooner rather than later to allow both player and club to start anew.

The Ghanaian still possesses the potential for a standout career; however, his statistics need to improve, whether he remains at West Ham, joins Chelsea, or plays elsewhere. A pivotal point in his career has already arrived.