West Ham United must react after David Ornstein shared Mohammed Kudus clause news
Mohammed Kudus has a release clause in his West Ham contract according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein and they must act to avoid a disaster.
The Ghanaian arrived from Ajax last summer and has been an instant hit in claret and blue, scoring 13 goals and providing five assists across all competitions in his debut season in English football [Transfermarkt].
However, it was recently suggested that a release clause exists in the 23-year-old’s contract amid intense speculation that fellow attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta could make the move to Manchester City that was mooted at the end of last season.
Ornstein, speaking on The Athletic FC Podcast (23 April), said: “In terms of Kudus, there’s a release clause too. He’s newer to the club, he’s done fantastically well so far – I suspect he’d be looking to stay for a bit longer but we don’t know.
“There’s always interest in him – multiple clubs showed that before he ended up joining West Ham. I think we reported on the likes of Arsenal, definitely Brighton, Manchester United have been rumoured admirers of him for a long time and many others – Chelsea were another one too.
“It’s beautiful to see what he’s done at West Ham so far – they would definitely want to keep hold of him if they can because it’s so early in his time there, but when the vultures come circling and the money’s right, you can’t necessarily ignore it.”
West Ham United must not lose Mohammed Kudus as well as Lucas Paqueta
Kudus, Paqueta and Jarrod Bowen have formed a superb attacking trio at times this season for West Ham.
The new arrival’s haul of 13 goals across all competitions is the second-highest in the Hammers squad, behind only Bowen’s 20 – they are the only two Irons players to hit double figures.
To lose that level of production in the same window as a technician of Paqueta’s level would be a devastating blow for a West Ham side set for a summer of great upheaval as they look to evolve into a more controlled, possession-focused side.
Manager David Moyes looks likely to depart upon the expiry of his contract, with fans calling for a more progressive coach to be hired in his place.
Losing two of the club’s most technically gifted forwards would certainly reduce West Ham’s ability to attract that type of coach – or it would make the new hire’s job far more difficult.
However, the presence of a release clause in the player’s contract takes the decision out of the club’s hands, and they will simply have to hope that no club swoops for their versatile star. Alternatively they are going to have act quick to try and convince him to agree to new terms that would remove the clause, the last thing they need is to have no sway if the vultures circle.
The valuation attached to that release clause could also offer a measure of protection – should the price tag be sufficiently sizable, West Ham would take comfort in knowing that any departure for Kudus would be accompanied by a hefty cash injection.
It could end up being a nervy summer but let’s hope Kudus does indeed stick around for the foreseeable future.
In other West Ham news, Paqueta has made a new admission about transfer interest from Manchester City.
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