MY ACCOUNT
Mohammed Kudus is another name to chuck into the pot of European forwards looking for a move this summer.
The Ghana international unsuccessfully went on strike in order to push for a transfer to Everton last summer but will have his eyes set much further up the food chain now.
He scored 18 goals for Ajax in 2022-23, plus two at the World Cup that secured his nation’s three points against South Korea.
Champions League clubs are circling around an attacker that could prove one of the bargains of the window.
Ajax reshuffle
After failing to win the Eredivisie title for the first time since 2018, Ajax need to make a few changes this summer.
Fortunately, they produce and develop talent so well that the funds needed to freshen up their squad are never far away.
Kudus is out of contract in two years’ time and the priority for the Dutch side is to raise as much capital from his sale as possible, rather than allow his value to diminish.
And the dynamic goal threat is seemingly set on an exit too, with his agent Jennifer Mendelewitsch telling Dutch media: “I think it is best for both Ajax and Mohammed that he leaves now. Now is the right time.
“He has rejected an offer to extend his contract until the summer of 2026.
“What I can say is that after the World Cup and this season there is a lot of interest in Kudus.”
Full of confidence
Kudus has been a bright spark for Ajax despite their disappointing campaign.
He does not mind ruffling a few feathers, either, following up last summer’s strike action by involving himself in fisticuffs with Neymar in a pre-World Cup friendly for the Black Stars.
After a few heated exchanges in the match between Ghana and Brazil, the forward said: “He’s not better than me. He’s just a higher profile player, that’s all.
“I wasn’t about to let him push me around. What makes him better, for now, is that he has achieved a lot. I’ll get there soon.”
Style of play
Kudus’ style of play reflects that confidence.
No player completed more dribbles per game in the Dutch top tier this term, while he also ranked in the top 20 for shots.
Like several attackers with such a creative skill-set, he believes he is at his best when seeing as much of the ball as possible.
Kudus said: “I still feel that I can do my best in the No10 position. I talked about that with [ex-Ajax] trainer Erik ten Hag. In his style of play, creative and attacking, I saw myself.”
Interested parties
Three Premier League clubs to have qualified for the Champions League are among the most heavily linked with making a move for Kudus this summer.
Manchester United are credited with an interest, with Ten Hag knowing the player well, but seem more likely to move for a genuine No9 than a versatile forward.
Arsenal are also said to be interested, although whether Mikel Arteta could offer regular first-team starts is uncertain.
A move to Newcastle, however, could allow him to play in his favourite position, with Eddie Howe aiming to add further creativity to what is already an energetic, workmanlike midfield.
