David Ornstein: West Ham reject £50m bid as Star clause sparks Spurs interest | OneFootball

Tottenham Eye Kudus as Transfer Race Heats UpKudus’ Options Narrow as July Window Closes

Mohammed Kudus remains the subject of major summer intrigue, with Tottenham Hotspur stepping up efforts to lure him from West Ham United. As reported by David Ornstein in The Athletic, Spurs tabled a £50million ($68m) bid that was turned down, though negotiations between the clubs are ongoing.

Crucially, Kudus is said to be prioritising a move to North London if he does leave the Hammers. Personal terms are not expected to be an obstacle. Spurs’ interest is time-sensitive, with a buyout clause in Kudus’ contract active only for the first 10 days of July, priced at £80million ($108m) for European clubs, £85m for Premier League rivals and £120m for Saudi sides.

photo IMAGO

Chelsea Linger While Spurs Accelerate

Chelsea remain in the background. The Blues were close to signing Kudus from Ajax in 2023 but stalled, allowing West Ham to swoop. Kudus remains on their radar, though no fresh bid has emerged at time of writing. West Ham’s resolve is clear, but time is not on their side.

West Ham signed Kudus for €41.5million (£35.6m) plus €3m (£2.5m) in add-ons. His debut campaign under David Moyes was prolific: 18 goals and 10 assists in 48 appearances. Though the 2024-25 season proved less fruitful, with five goals and four assists in 35 league games, the Ghana international’s quality remains undoubted.

Spurs’ Attack Rebuild Continues

Tottenham’s pursuit of Kudus aligns with a wider strategy. Having secured Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich for €35m, plus €10m in potential bonuses, Spurs are not done shopping. Bryan Mbeumo was another target, but the Brentford forward has turned his attention to Manchester United. Meanwhile, Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, another Spurs enquiry, has opted to stay on the south coast with a new deal.

This all leaves Kudus as one of the few remaining elite options for Spurs. His versatility across the front line and experience in both Premier League and European competition makes him a prized asset. “He’s prioritising Spurs if he leaves West Ham,” says The Athletic. That statement alone has set pulses racing.

Kudus’ Past Points to Future Potential

Before his Premier League arrival, Kudus had already impressed at Ajax with 27 goals in 87 games and two Eredivisie titles in 2021 and 2022. The decline in output last season coincided with West Ham’s own drop to 14th place, but few question his talent. Spurs’ interest is both a vote of confidence and a race against time, given the limited window for triggering his clause.

Our View – EPL Index

Excited Spurs Fan Perspective

This Kudus news is massive. We’ve been crying out for someone who can do damage in multiple forward roles, and Kudus is that player. His ability to cut in from the right, play off the striker, or even drift centrally makes him ideal for Ange Postecoglou’s style. Tel’s arrival is great, but Kudus brings a different energy, more direct and physical.

Yes, his last season wasn’t standout statistically, but five goals and four assists in a struggling West Ham side isn’t awful. He’s still only 24 and has already shown he can explode with the right system around him. Let’s not forget 18 goals in his first campaign and those Eredivisie titles at Ajax. There’s real pedigree here.

The price? Fair. £80m might look steep, but with that July clause active, it’s a case of now or never. And if Chelsea circle back, it’s going to be a bidding war. Time to act. Kudus in a Spurs shirt? Yes please.