Marco Van Basten blasts Mohammed Kudus’ decision to leave Ajax for West Ham
Mohammed Kudus should spend longer with Ajax rather than making the move to West Ham as he is reportedly set to do, according to Dutch legend Marco van Basten.
As reported by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano via Twitter (25 August), a deal for the 23-year-old Ghana international to make the switch from Amsterdam to London is now very close.
“Mo Kudus and West Ham, almost there. Final documents being checked, matter of details… and then deal closed,” Romano wrote.
With the deal now all but done, Ajax and Netherlands legend Van Basten has questioned his decision to make the move, as well as his former club’s choice to sell.
“Why is he going to West Ham, why?” Van Basten told Ziggo Sport, in quotes reported by SoccerNews (25 August).
“He still has a two-year contract. Ajax is busy making a good team, not just making money. What is the function of a football club? To entertain the audience and give players the opportunity to excel, or to make money?
“He still has to show everything at Ajax. He did well for a year. People come to the stadium for him.”
Unhappy
While it is understandable that Van Basten would be unhappy, due to Kudus leaving his former side, and while he does raise some good points, it is extremely difficult to say that Kudus should have turned down the deal. When you are offered a move to a Premier League club based in London at the age of 23, very few people would turn that down.
Of course, he could develop and add to his game by continuing his journey with Ajax as Van Basten has suggested, however, there is no reason to suggest he couldn’t also do that at the London Stadium. The Hammers play in a much more competitive league, which will provide Kudus with a far greater challenge.
He will have more eyes on him and the chance to make a bigger name for himself while playing in one of the finest capitals in the world, presumably on more money.
Who would say no to that?
In other West Ham news, David Moyes is set to speak directly with a player the club wants to sign.