Report: Tottenham make surprise approach to sign ‘superstar’ £65m forward, summer exit expected
Tottenham Hotspur have initiated formal discussions with West Ham United regarding a potential swoop for dynamic forward Mohammed Kudus, signaling new manager Thomas Frank’s determination to reshape the club’s attacking options.
The Ghanaian international has emerged as a primary target for Spurs following their unlikely Champions League qualification via Europa League triumph, despite a dismal 17th-place Premier League finish that exposed glaring deficiencies in their squad.
West Ham’s valuation of £65 million for the 24-year-old presents a significant hurdle, with Tottenham hoping to negotiate the fee down to around £50 million.
The Hammers hold considerable leverage in talks thanks to Kudus’ £85 million release clause for domestic rivals – a figure neither Spurs nor other interested parties like Chelsea and Newcastle are expected to meet this summer.
Kudus’ mixed campaign under Graham Potter has convinced West Ham’s hierarchy to consider cashing in as they plan their own summer rebuild, though their preference would be to sell to anyone but their London rivals if possible.
The former Ajax star’s Premier League adaptation last season showed flashes of the brilliance that earned him “superstar” plaudits, though his output of 5 goals and 3 assists in 31 appearances suggests room for growth.
Kudus’ versatility to operate across the frontline or as an attacking midfielder would provide Frank with valuable tactical flexibility as Spurs prepare for a demanding Champions League campaign.
His explosive dribbling and ability to create something from nothing address two key weaknesses in Tottenham’s current attacking options.
Tottenham’s interest in Kudus forms part of a broader recruitment strategy that also includes Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo – the latter being a player Frank knows intimately from their time together at the Gtech Community Stadium.
However, Mbeumo’s £70 million price tag and stated preference for Manchester United have complicated that particular pursuit, making Kudus an increasingly attractive alternative.
The Bigger Picture for Spurs
This aggressive move in the transfer market demonstrates Tottenham’s recognition that significant upgrades are needed to avoid another domestic collapse next season.
Kudus represents precisely the profile of player who could thrive under Frank’s progressive system – young enough to develop further but with enough top-level experience to make an immediate impact.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Tottenham can bridge the £15 million valuation gap with West Ham or if they’ll need to shift focus to other targets.
What’s clear is that Frank and sporting director Johan Lange are prioritizing explosive, technically gifted attackers who can transform Spurs from Europa League overachievers into consistent top-four challengers.
Kudus’ potential acquisition would represent a major step in that direction while sending a message that Tottenham intend to be active players in this summer’s transfer market.