West Ham’s Kudus decision could cost Hammers €10m

Willem Leijgraf
Willem Leijgraf
  • 12 Oct 2024 13:28 BST
  • 2 min read
Julen Lopetegui, Mohammed Kudus, West Ham, 2024/25
© IMAGO

Mohammed Kudus has been a sensation for West Ham United since he joined the Premier League outfit from Ajax last summer.

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The 24-year-old has starred for Julen Lopetegui’s side over the course of the last year, with his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) climbing to a career-high €56.2 million this month.

Having signed him for €43m from the Amsterdam club, the Hammers’ business on the 24-year-old looks exceptional.

STATS
Player image Mohammed Kudus
Mohammed Kudus

AM (C), M (RL)

West Ham United logo

West Ham United

Mohammed Kudus
Mohammed Kudus

AM (C), M (RL)

West Ham United

West Ham United

Premier League

2023/24

  • 33

    Games

  • 8

    Goals

  • 7

    Assists

Their biggest problem, though, will be keeping hold of him. Although Kudus has a contract until June 2028, a monster bid could take him away from the club. Already there is talk of a €100m or greater asking price.

West Ham, though, will not be able to recoup the full value of any sale. Football transfer news specialist Fabrizio Romano says that when negotiating Kudus’ purchase, the Hammers inserted a clause that at least 10% of any future fee would go to Ajax.

This decision would cost the London club a minimum of €10m in the event of any Kudus sale, with the Eredivisie giants the net benefactors.

On top of this, Ajax stand to receive around €2m due to a solidarity contribution from the Premier League side, though this payment is non-negotiable on their part.

Current ETV
Player image Mohammed Kudus
Mohammed Kudus

AM (C), M (RL)

West Ham United logo

West Ham United

Mohammed Kudus
Mohammed Kudus

AM (C), M (RL)

West Ham United

West Ham United

€56.2M

ETV Range

€42.2M - €70.3M

Kudus: A €43m bargain

Of course, West Ham will feel the payoff has been amply worthwhile. Kudus has been one of the most exciting attacking players to watch in the Premier League, which is why he has attracted interest from the biggest clubs in the world.

Manchester United and Liverpool were both linked with a move for the Ghana international attacker last summer, while there was reported interest from both Arsenal and Chelsea before he completed his move to West Ham last year.

Kudus has yet to find his best form in a struggling Hammers team this season, with just one goal scored in nine matches.

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