West Ham should replace Mohammed Kudus with player Jurgen Klopp thinks is ‘special’

West Ham may have lost Mohammed Kudus, but they could replace him with a player who has drawn significant praise.

Kudus signed for Tottenham for £55million, but the Hammers have only spent a fraction of that since.

El Hadji Malick Diouf arrived at the London Stadium for an initial £19million and looks to be a promising acquisition.

However, now the Irons could set the wheels in motion for a player who Jurgen Klopp has branded as special.

El Hadji Malick Diouf West Ham
El Hadji Malick Diouf has impressed so far this summer (Image: Imago)

Ben Doak could fill Kudus’ void at West Ham

West Ham are interested in a move for Doak, although they face competition to land the Liverpool winger.

Wolves are also keen on the 29-year-old, who impressed while on loan with Middlesbrough in the Championship last term.

Ben Doak’s 2024/25 Championship statisticsTotal
Appearances (starts)24 (21)
Goals3
Expected goals (xG)4.40
Assists7
Expected assists (xA)4.52
Successful dribbles1.5 (40%)
Doak performed admirably for Boro last season (Sofascore)

Via Fotmob, the 19-year-old averaged 1.76 successful dribbles per 90, with 2.22 chances created.

Of course, Hammers supporters may highlight that those statistics came in the Championship, but the division has given top players a platform in the past.

West Ham need pace on the wings, and that is something the Scotland international can provide in East London.

Read more: What Ben Doak could bring to West Ham as Liverpool valuation already set

Liverpool winger Ben Doak West Ham
Credit: Imago

What Klopp said about Doak

Klopp departed Liverpool last summer, and it was the German who gave Doak his senior debut at Anfield.

The teenager came on as a substitute in the 74th minute against Derby County in the third round of the Carabao Cup in November 2022.

Doak has since made 10 appearances for the Reds, but opportunities will likely be sparse next season.

“He’s with us in training again, special boy. Really confident, has something nobody else delivers,” Klopp said via Celtic Star (20 July 2023).

“This kind of dribbling, this kind of straightforward bravery, all these kind of things. Technically really good, high speed, super-promising.”

Klopp’s words make for exciting reading for West Ham supporters, and if he does sign, then they could have the perfect Kudus replacement.

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