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Mohammed Kudus may be enjoying the off-season sunshine in Accra, but back in London, a full-blown transfer storm is brewing.
The West Ham star — one of the Premier League’s breakout performers — has become the subject of a fierce tug-of-war between London clubs Chelsea and Tottenham, both desperate to land the Ghanaian dynamo.
With an £85 million release clause hanging over his head and deep-pocket Saudi clubs lurking threatening a late hijack, Kudus’ future is turning into one of the summer’s biggest transfer dramas, which gets interesting each passing week with new twists and turns.
Just days ago, he was at the Kawukudi Park at Maamobi, Accra, soaking in the atmosphere of the Bazaki Football Tournament, a grassroots initiative he co-organised with Skechers. But as he handed awards to the winning team and rising talents such as MVP Samuel Andoh, Kudus’ future was the talk of Europe’s elite clubs.
Kudus, who has a staggering £85 million release clause for English Premier League clubs (and £120 million for Saudi bidders), is expected to leave West Ham this summer after a breakout debut campaign in England. He was signed for €41.5 million (£35.6m) plus €3m in add-ons from Ajax last summer — a fee that looks like a bargain now, given his 18 goals and 10 assists across 48 appearances in his first season.
Though his productivity dipped slightly in 2024–25 (five goals and four assists), his impact, dynamism and tactical flexibility have kept his stock high.
Capable of playing across the frontline or in attacking midfield, Kudus is a modern hybrid player — precisely what both Chelsea and Spurs crave.
Tottenham tabled an initial £50 million bid, but West Ham swiftly rejected it, reportedly unimpressed with performance-based add-ons that hinged on Spurs winning the Premier League or Champions League.
The Hammers are holding out for a guaranteed £60 million minimum or closer to the £85 million clause.
Chelsea, who nearly landed Kudus before he joined West Ham, are poised to return with an improved offer.
The uncertainty around Noni Madueke’s future has nudged the Blues to accelerate talks with a stronger bid, with sources suggesting West Ham are more willing to negotiate with the Blues, rather than strengthen a bitter London rival.
But just as the London clubs jostle, Saudi Arabia’s financial muscle looms large. Two unnamed Pro League clubs — widely believed to be Al Nassr and the ultra-rich Neom SC, both backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund — have reportedly approached Kudus’ representatives.
The Saudis are willing to meet West Ham’s full valuation and offer personal terms that far outstrip what Spurs or Chelsea can provide. While Kudus prefers to stay in Europe, the sheer size of the Saudi offer could trigger a rethink.
For Chelsea, Kudus brings dynamism to a midfield still finding balance under manager Enzo Maresca.
His explosive attacking threat complements Enzo Fernández and provides insurance should Madueke or other creative players exit.
And from a commercial standpoint, as one of Africa’s most recognisable young stars, Kudus brings strong fan appeal across the continent, aligning with Chelsea’s global brand ambitions.
For Spurs, new manager Thomas Frank is keen to add the Ghanaian to his squad during the summer for their Champions League campaign, despite being bolstered by the permanent addition of Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich for €35m, plus €10m in potential bonuses following his loan spell at the club last season.
However, the rivalry with West Ham complicates matters — the Hammers are reportedly reluctant to strengthen a direct London rival.
As Kudus cools off in Accra awaiting a call from his agent ahead of pre-season preparations, the unfolding saga could very well be one of the most significant transfer stories of the summer, whether he lands at Stamford Bridge, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium or in the glittering Saudi Pro League.
1. Rising asset value: Kudus’ soaring market price from £35m to potentially £85m shows how quickly top talent can appreciate with strong performance and brand appeal.
2. Market disruption: With financial firepower to rival any European club, Saudi clubs are reshaping transfer dynamics by aggressively pursuing young stars, not just veterans.
3. Global branding potential: Players like Kudus offer commercial value and fanbase expansion, particularly in emerging markets like Africa.
4. Smart contract structuring: West Ham’s region-specific release clauses highlight the power of strategic contract planning.
5. Commercial rivalry impact: Intra-city transfers carry branding and revenue implications, beyond just on-field competition.
With additional files from Football Business Journal, The Athletic
