When Mohammed Kudus arrived at West Ham in August 2023, he was seen as a rising star—raw but gifted.
Plucked from Ajax following a promising second season in the Eredivisie, the Ghanaian forward impressed early on in the Premier League with his energy, strength, and ability to beat defenders.
He closed his debut campaign with eight goals and six assists—numbers that seemed to justify the club’s faith in him.
Premier League reality
Kudus quickly adapted to the physical demands of English football. His early success gave Hammers fans hope of a long-term attacking pillar.
But the 2024/25 season has brought disappointment. With only five goals and three assists in 32 matches—despite playing the most minutes of his career—Kudus has struggled to replicate his previous form.
His decline in productivity has prompted internal debate, with West Ham reportedly open to offers, although their £85 million valuation remains a sticking point.
Still contributing off the ball
Not all of Kudus’ game has regressed. His passing remains solid, with an improved completion rate over the past year.
He has won back possession 376 times since joining and boasts a 60.5% tackle success rate this season—evidence of his strong defensive contributions.
Poor finishing undermining his impact
The real concern lies in his finishing. Kudus’ shot accuracy of 47.8% is serviceable, but his 6.7% shot conversion rate has been alarmingly poor.
Once seen as a lethal threat, his hesitancy or lack of confidence in front of goal now raises questions about his long-term future in East London.
No deal with Chelsea or United
Chelsea reportedly offered several players—including Trevoh Chalobah and Carney Chukwuemeka—in exchange for Kudus, but West Ham showed little interest.
A mooted swap with Manchester United for Jadon Sancho also fell through, partly due to tactical fit.
Time running out to reclaim his spark
As West Ham prepare for yet another transition under Graham Potter, Kudus’ uncertain standing could soon force a resolution.
Whether he stays to fight for relevance or moves in search of a reboot, the Ghanaian must rediscover the form that once made him a London Stadium favourite.
