Chelsea tried to hijack Mohammed Kudus transfer before Tottenham switch – Report

Chelsea attempted a dramatic late intervention to sign Ghanaian star Mohammed Kudus before his eventual move to Tottenham, according to reports in England.

The 25-year-old attacker, who joined Spurs in a £55 million deal from West Ham, was the subject of a surprise approach from the Blues involving both cash and a player exchange.

Kudus, who has Ghanaian heritage and represents the Black Stars at international level, has wasted no time settling into life at Tottenham. His creative spark was on display last weekend when he set up both of Richarlison’s goals in Spurs’ 3-0 Premier League win over Burnley, further underlining why manager Thomas Frank was so eager to secure his signature.

The Sun reports that Chelsea made a strong attempt to derail the transfer earlier in the window. The Blues are said to have offered midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, whom they valued at around £30 million, plus an additional £20 million in cash for Kudus. That package, however, failed to convince West Ham, who felt Chelsea’s valuation of Dewsbury-Hall was inflated.

West Ham’s refusal to entertain Chelsea’s proposal cleared the path for Tottenham to complete negotiations. Kudus finalised his switch to North London in a deal worth £55 million, a move seen as a statement signing for Spurs as they look to strengthen their attacking depth.

The Ghana international had been one of the standout performers for West Ham last season, delivering key goals and assists across both domestic and European competitions. His departure was considered a significant blow for the Hammers, though the fee provided a financial boost for reinforcements.

For Chelsea, the failed bid represents another missed opportunity in a transfer window where their recruitment strategy has faced scrutiny. Kudus, meanwhile, has quickly become a central figure at Tottenham, offering creativity, flair, and a decisive edge in the final third.