Reports: Tottenham open talks to sign £85m star, discount deal could be agreed
Tottenham Hotspur have taken the first significant step in their summer rebuild by opening discussions with West Ham United over a potential deal for Mohammed Kudus.
According to Goal, Spurs officials have contacted their London rivals to explore the possibility of bringing the Ghanaian international to N17, signaling their intent to back new manager Thomas Frank with high-profile signings.
The move comes amid a period of transition for Tottenham, who made the surprising decision to part ways with Ange Postecoglou despite last season’s Europa League triumph.
Chairman Daniel Levy has made it clear that domestic and European dominance remains the ultimate goal, stating, “While ending our trophy drought was important, we must now focus on competing for the Premier League and Champions League.”
This ambitious vision explains their pursuit of Kudus, a player capable of elevating the squad to new heights.
West Ham find themselves in a delicate negotiating position. Although Kudus’ contract contains an £85 million release clause that activates next month, the Hammers recognize the current market reality and may settle for a reduced fee in the region of £65 million.
Tottenham, however, are prepared to test their resolve with an opening offer closer to £50 million—a valuation that reflects Kudus’ inconsistent 2024/25 campaign, where he managed just nine goal contributions across all competitions.
The proposed transfer carries added complexity due to the fierce rivalry between the two clubs. West Ham would prefer to sell Kudus to other suitors like Chelsea or Newcastle United rather than strengthen a direct competitor.
Historical tensions mean deals between the London outfits remain rare, though Kudus’ desire for Champions League football could force the issue.
Why Kudus Appeals to Tottenham
At 24, Kudus represents both immediate quality and long-term potential. His versatility makes him an ideal fit for Frank’s tactical system—comfortable operating on either wing, as an attacking midfielder, or even as a false nine when required.
This adaptability would provide Tottenham with crucial squad depth as they prepare for a demanding campaign on multiple fronts.
While his recent statistics may not dazzle, Kudus’ technical ability and explosive dribbling have never been in question.
His debut Premier League season showcased a player capable of changing games single-handedly, and a fresh start under an ambitious manager could reignite that form. For Tottenham, the gamble lies in determining whether last season’s dip was a temporary blip or a concerning trend.
This potential signing underscores Tottenham’s renewed transfer strategy under Frank. Rather than settling for incremental improvements, the club appears determined to secure difference-makers who can bridge the gap to the league’s elite. Kudus’ profile—young, technically gifted, and hungry to prove himself at the highest level—aligns perfectly with that vision.
However, competition for his signature will intensify. Chelsea’s need for attacking reinforcements and Newcastle’s financial muscle could spark a bidding war, forcing Tottenham to either increase their offer or explore alternative targets.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Levy and Frank consider Kudus indispensable to their project or if this initial approach merely represents due diligence in a crowded market.
One thing remains certain: Tottenham’s interest in Kudus confirms their willingness to make bold moves this summer. As negotiations progress, this transfer saga could serve as a litmus test for the club’s ambition in the post-Postecoglou era.
Securing a proven Premier League talent from a direct rival would send a powerful message—but only if the price aligns with Tottenham’s long-term planning.
For Kudus, the opportunity to join a club with Tottenham’s resources and aspirations may prove too enticing to ignore, regardless of the historical tensions between the two teams. Should this deal materialize, it could mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both player and club.