The signing of Mohammed Kudus has been announced with excitement by West Ham United.
The Hammers outbid some of Europe’s top teams in a fierce battle to sign the talented Ghanaian international attacker from Ajax.
The 23-year-old, who joins the Irons on a five-year deal for an unknown cost, follows his former Ajax teammate and Mexico international Edson Lvarez, Greece defender Dinos Mavropanos, and England midfielder James Ward-Prowse as the Club’s fourth significant summer signing.
Kudus has made a name for himself as one of the most sought-after young players in European football. He is a strong all-around player and a prodigious dribbler who is capable of creating and scoring goals. He has now presented his skills at London Stadium.
According to him: “I’ve been dreaming to play in a league like this since I was a kid,” said Kudus, who will wear the No14 shirt at West Ham.
“I’ve been dreaming of this moment and I’m so happy to be here. But it doesn’t stop here, I want to keep going.
“I try my best to entertain the fans as I think that’s what football is all about. I’m just here to do my best and help the team. I’m really happy to be here. I will fight for the badge. I can’t wait to get started.”
David Moyes is looking forward to working with Kudus, who scored four goals in six UEFA Champions League group-stage appearances for Ajax last season.
“I’m delighted we’ve been able to bring Mohammed to West Ham United,” said the manager. “He’s a terrific young talent, who has already shone at the very highest level for Ajax in the Champions League and made well over 150 senior appearances at the age of 23 – so it was no surprise to see so many top clubs chasing his signature this summer.
“The fact we’ve been able to attract a player of his undoubted quality to London Stadium shows the pull West Ham have now – the Board and Tim deserve huge credit for getting this one over the line.”
Kudus, who was born in the Accra, Ghana, neighbourhood of Nima in August 2000, entered the renowned Right to Dream football programme when he was ten years old. Before transferring to Danish club Nordsjaelland at age 17 in January 2018, he spent seven years there. The player, who stands 5’9,” became a dependable member of Nordsjlland. In 57 games spanning three seasons, he scored 14 goals while either as a striker or a midfielder.
Erik ten Hag, then-head coach of Ajax, praised Kudus’ ‘great potential’ when the then-19-year-old moved to Amsterdam in July 2020 as a result of his performances for Nordsjlland and after the club’s interest was piqued. The young player’s acclaim was well-deserved as seen by his one goal and three assists in his first three club games.
With goals against Liverpool, Napoli, and Rangers in the Champions League, eleven more in the Dutch Eredivisie, one in each of the UEFA Europa League, Dutch Cup, and Johan Cruyff Shield, and a total of 19 goals and seven assists across all competitions, Kudus elevated his game in the 2022–23 season.
Given those figures, it should come as no surprise that Kudus started each of Ghana’s three group games during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he also scored twice in a 3-2 triumph over South Korea. In total, he has 24 caps for his nation with seven goals and three assists.
Mohammed is welcomed to the club and is wished well in the Claret and Blue by everyone at West Ham United.
