Mohammed Kudus agrees five-year West Ham United contract in principle as Ajax star speaks out

West Ham reach agreement in principle on personal terms for new signing - Dharmesh Sheth
Mohammed Kudus has agreed personal terms on a five-year deal with West Ham ahead of completing his move from Ajax this weekend, according to Dharmesh Sheth.

The Ghana international scored a hat-trick in Ajax’s 4-1 win away at Ludogorets in Thursday’s [24 August] Europa League play-off qualifying first leg.

Kudus hinted after the match that he had played his last game for the Dutch heavyweights, while describing West Ham as a “great club” when asked specifically about the Hammers.

Hattrick hero = ⚽️😍

That @KudusMohammedGH performance in one GIF? pic.twitter.com/GAREOditNa

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) August 24, 2023

In an update provided late on Thursday [25 August, 23:29] via Sky Sports’ transfer blog, Sheth stated a transfer could be finalised in the coming days.

“West Ham are in talks to finalise a deal for the midfielder in a deal worth £38million,” Sheth said.

“It’s hoped a deal can be fully agreed by the weekend.

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“Personal terms on a five-year-deal – with the option of a further 12 months – have been agreed in principle.”

Great signing

West Ham have been chasing Kudus for a while now and finally look as though they have landed one of their top targets.

The Hammers will just be glad an agreement was reached prior to the Ghanaian’s hat-trick against Ludogorets, or else the fee may well have topped the £40m mark.

Kudus has picked up from where he left off last season by scoring four goals and assisting another in three matches for Ajax, suggesting he is only getting better.

The large fee, combined with fans’ excitement levels, means that the pressure will be on the 23-year-old to make a big impact at the London Stadium.

West Ham
David Moyes will no doubt try his best to ease Kudus into the side, but all eyes will be on the former former Nordsjaelland player when he makes his debut, likely against Luton Town on 1 September.

That is also the day the transfer window closes, and West Ham will hope to have at least one other player in before then.

If United’s transfer spending could be considered ‘good’ prior to Kudus’ imminent arrival, it is surely now teetering on ‘excellent’.