Transfer rumors for West Ham: Kudus acquired, Steidten makes an immediate effect, but no striker
Mohammed Kudus appeared set to join Chelsea at the beginning of the transfer period. They had established personal terms with the 23-year-old Ghanaian international and made an offer to Ajax. Kudus has always wanted to play in England. But the transaction came to a standstill.
Chelsea prioritized acquiring Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo, who finally joined them for a British record sum of £115 million ($146 million). Ajax notified Chelsea that they needed time to locate a replacement, but Kudus had to wait more than two weeks for an answer. A deadline of August 18 was suggested by the Dutch side but was later extended.
An anonymous Saudi Arabian club entered the contest during that time, but negotiations never progressed.
Then, Brighton and Ajax came to an agreement in principle but not on personal terms. Additionally, moves for the adaptable Kudus were rumored to be made by Arsenal and Manchester United.
The agents of Ajax and Kudus grew impatient and decided to authorize a transfer to West Ham, who had shown interest in signing him on August 6. Although they were aware that Chelsea were the favorites, they were certain that Tim Steidten, West Ham’s technical director, would win Kudus over in negotiations.
An anonymous Saudi Arabian club entered the contest during that time, but negotiations never progressed.
Then, Brighton and Ajax came to an agreement in principle but not on personal terms. Additionally, moves for the adaptable Kudus were rumored to be made by Arsenal and Manchester United.
The agents of Ajax and Kudus grew impatient and decided to authorize a transfer to West Ham, who had shown interest in signing him on August 6. Although they were aware that Chelsea were the favorites, they were certain that Tim Steidten, West Ham’s technical director, would win Kudus over in negotiations.
(Pim Waslander/Soccrates Images via Getty Images) Kudus celebrates an Ajax goal
Steidten travelled to Bulgaria before the £38.2 million contract, the amount of West Ham’s third bid, was finalized.
the first leg of Ajax’s Europa League qualification play-off matchup versus Ludogorets saw Kudus score a hat-trick. On August 26, Kudus and Steidten took a private aircraft from Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam to Stansted Airport, which is located an hour north of London. They arrived there at 10am. Kudus then went to West Ham’s practice facility to do his physical.
Kudus questioned Steidten regarding Lucas Paqueta’s future throughout the discussions. The Brazilian international was reportedly close to joining Manchester City after West Ham turned down their £70 million bid, but the deal fell through because the playmaker is under investigation by the Football Association for possible betting violations. Kudus was reassured by Steidten that if he joined West Ham, he and Paqueta could play together and that he would not see decreased playing time.
