Barcelona following 'standout ' Ajax star

Imre Himmelbauer

• Updated: 23 May 2023 09:00 CDT
• 3 min read

Barcelona director Jordi Cruyff has admitred that he has been following Ajax star Mohammed Kudus for some time.

Kudus has found himself in the spotlight at World Cup 2022, where he has sparkled.

He played a major part in Ghana's 3-2 victory over South Korea by scoring twice. He also impressed in a 3-2 loss against Portugal, although he was not directly involved in his side's goals.

MORE: World Cup 2022 - Fixtures, results, teams, knockouts, favourites, draw

"He is coming into the spotlight for his performances and goals at the World Cup," Cruyff, who now works as Barcelona's sporting director, told RAC1 .

“I saw him play a year ago and follow his career at Ajax closely. It is not nearly as close as Barcelona making a bid for him, there is absolutely no question of that. But he is someone who stands out.”

MORE: World Cup 2022 most assists

He added: “I am also surprised that there is discussion in the Netherlands about his position, whether he is an attacking midfielder or a striker.”

The 22-year-old left-footer has played 21 matches at Ajax this season. In 13 of those matches, the 20-time international, who has seven goals, started as a centre forward.

Who wants to sign Kudus?

Several clubs are definitely seeking the services of Kudus. The creative attacker interested Everton last summer and the Toffees are still in the running for his signature. Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund would also be interested in Kudus, who has a contract with Ajax until June 2025.

Kudus himself wanted to leave Ajax last summer, but the club did not let him go.

"It was a simple thing for me," he recently told The Guardian. "The only way you can develop is to get minutes on the pitch. If I'm in a phase and I feel I'm not developing at the moment, then I have to try somewhere else.

"I thought about Everton. It would be a good project for me. Why not? It's not my first season with Ajax, it's already my third season. So if I don't see the progress I'm looking for, why not try something else?"

Barcelona's interest, meanwhile, is evidence that Kudus has certainly made progress this season.