West Ham sign Mohammed Kudus from Ajax; Hammers will pay an initial €41.5m and €3m in performance-related add-ons for the midfielder, who has signed a five-year deal with the option of a further 12 months
Monday 28 August 2023 08:50, UK
West Ham have completed the signing of midfielder Mohammed Kudus from Ajax.
Kudus has signed a five-year contract, with the option of a further 12 months, after completing his medical over the weekend.
The deal is understood to be worth around £38m (€44.5m) including add-ons.
West Ham will pay an initial €41.5m (£35.59m) and €3m (£2.57m) in performance-related add-ons.
An unnamed Premier League club made a late bid to sign Kudus on Saturday, but his mind was made up to join the Hammers.
"I've been dreaming to play in a league like this since I was a kid," said Kudus, who will wear the No 14 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 said he is looking forward to working with Kudus, who scored four goals in six Champions League group-stage appearances for Ajax last season.
"I'm delighted we've been able to bring Mohammed to West Ham United," Moyes said.
"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 [Steidten, West Ham's technical director] deserve huge credit for getting this one over the line."
Kudus scored a hat-trick for Ajax in Thursday's Europa League play-off first leg against Bulgarian side Ludogorets as the Dutch side won 4-1 in what proved to be his last game for the club.
Sky Sports' Peter Smith:
"Mohammed Kudus' screamer for Ajax against Liverpool in the Champions League last season was an eye-catching moment. But the Ghana midfielder will be turning heads on a regular basis in the Premier League now his move to West Ham has gone through.
"The 23-year-old is unquestionably a rising star and his powerful, direct play from midfield will quickly win him admirers in east London.
"He's not tall but he's fast and strong, with an ability to spin away from markers and drive forward. Kudus charges through tackles - and when he gets into the final third he loves a shot. They are traits which saw him rank among the top five for dribbles and score 11 times in the Eredivisie last season - and make him an exciting addition for David Moyes.
"But the West Ham manager will also be attracted to his versatility. Kudus can play defensive or attacking roles in central midfield and while he's most frequently been used on the right side by Ajax he has even played as a central forward at times.
"Wherever he lines up for West Ham, though, Kudus looks set to shine at the London Stadium."
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