Roshane Thomas shares how Tim Steidten convinced Mohammed Kudus to join West Ham United
Technical director Tim Steidten convinced Mohammed Kudus to join West Ham by telling him he would develop into a key player at the London Stadium, according to The Athletic reporter Roshane Thomas.
Kudus got off the mark with his first goal for the Hammers in their 3-1 comeback win against Backa Topola in the Europa League on Thursday [21 September].
The Irons pulled off a coup of sorts by landing the Ghana international from Ajax in a deal worth a reported £38million [Sky Sports, 28 August].
Detailing how West Ham persuaded Kudus to join, Thomas wrote for The Athletic [22 September]: “During negotiations, Tim Steidten, their new technical director appointed earlier this summer, convinced the 23-year-old Ghana international he would develop into a key player for the east London club.
“Kudus signed a five-year deal, with the option of a further season, including a salary that is significantly higher than his one in Amsterdam.”
Settled in
Kudus was linked with an array of heavyweight clubs across the continent after catching the eye for Ajax both domestically and in the Champions League.
West Ham’s board deserve huge credit for being the ones to get a deal over the line for the 23-year-old, who has everything in his arsenal to become a fan favourite in East London.
After netting in the Europa League in midweek, Kudus may be in David Moyes’ plans for a first Premier League start against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday [24 September].
The versatile attacking midfielder has goals in his locker and could provide a surprise element of sorts against the Reds, especially with Moyes revealing Jarrod Bowen is struggling with a virus.
Now that he appears to have settled in, fingers crossed for plenty more goals and assists from the £38m star.
In other West Ham news, a player is on the verge of formally leaving the club.