West Ham backed to strike £25m+ loan-to-buy deal for Kudus replacement
West Ham could target a loan signing as an alternative to Mohammed Kudus as exit links continue to spiral.
The Ghana international has been far from his best this season as he and his teammates have struggled for a consistent run of form.
This has seen both Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter fail to get a positive tune out of the Hammers in a disappointing Premier League campaign.
Despite this, Kudus could still be on his way out of the London Stadium in the summer, leaving the Irons in desperate need of a replacement.
West Ham identify loan target to replace Kudus
Although the 24-year-old may have had a difficult campaign, there is no doubt about the qualities that he does possess.
As a result, it is little surprise that the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool have shown an interest in Kudus ahead of the upcoming window.
If the right fee was to be offered in E20, there is every chance that the ex-Ajax man could move on and leave Potter in desperate need of an alternative.
That could prove to be Ipswich Town ace Omari Hutchinson, who could be set to depart Portman Road after their relegation from the Premier League.
The Tractor Boys could be set to demand a fee in excess of £25.5million for the 21-year-old [CaughtOffside, 4 May] who only moved to Norfolk permanently last summer.
As a result, former Hammers midfielder Martin Allen could see the Irons utilise a loan with an obligation to buy the attacking midfielder rather than paying the sizable fee outright.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, Allen said: “Yeah, he could [replace Kudus].
“He’s got pace, he’s dynamic and young, the sort of things West Ham need with this rebuild at the London Stadium.
“Would I pay £25m for him? I don’t think so, I think less than that, then if he did well and achieved certain targets, then the fee could reach that.
“I think that a loan with an obligation to buy would be more workable for West Ham to make sure they stay in place with the financial restrictions that are on all clubs.
“That would probably be the best way for West Ham to do it.“
Hutchinson could shine at West Ham
It is fair to say that the ex-Arsenal and Chelsea youngster has had an underwhelming year since linking up with Kieran McKenna’s side permanently.
| Stat (Premier League 24/25) | Omari Hutchinson |
| Appearances | 30 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 2 |
That doesn’t take away from the ability and potential that Hutchinson does possess, which could make him a useful asset for years to come.
This could see West Ham step in to take him on for at least a season, if a loan deal could be negotiated in the summer.
The Hammers did manage a similar deal with Jean-Clair Todibo a year ago, and could replicate that in the summer in what could be an ideal start to the window.