Thomas Frank Tottenham chance, Chelsea fear – Mohammed Kudus transfer verdict

Mohammed Kudus. A name that now echoes across the Premier League transfer scene this summer. From his eye-catching performances at Ajax to his exciting moments at West Ham, the Ghanaian star has steadily risen into one of the most talked-about attacking midfielders in England. But now, just a year after making the move to East London, the 24-year-old could be on his way out. And not to another country or a league far away — but to a club just across the capital.

Chelsea are watching. Tottenham are lurking. And somewhere behind the scenes, a transfer battle is quietly heating up. Kudus has only been with West Ham since the summer of 2023, but he’s already made enough of an impact to become a transfer target for two of the biggest clubs in London. After netting goals, assisting teammates, and bringing flair to the London Stadium, it seems his time in claret and blue may be cut short. While fans at West Ham may feel short-changed, those at Chelsea and Spurs are growing hopeful.

The big question now is — where does Kudus go from here? When Ange Postecoglou left Tottenham and Thomas Frank was brought in as his replacement, many fans wondered how quickly Spurs would rebuild. But now, one of Frank’s first big targets could be Mohammed Kudus.

Frank has built a reputation for developing raw talent into Premier League stars. From his time at Brentford, he’s shown he knows how to unlock a player’s full potential. That’s exactly what Kudus might need. After a mixed first year at West Ham — one where he showed promise but struggled with consistency — the Ghanaian could thrive under Frank’s detailed and supportive coaching style.

Tottenham are currently evaluating several attacking options to boost their squad ahead of the new season. And Kudus ticks many of the boxes. Versatile, energetic, capable of scoring and creating, and still just 24 years old. He plays across the attacking midfield line, can feature as a winger, and even play up front if needed. Thomas Frank knows how to build systems that make players like Kudus shine. For a Tottenham side looking to climb back into the Champions League spots, this might be the perfect time to move for a player of Kudus’ profile.

And it helps that Spurs are very aware of how competitive the London transfer scene is becoming.

On the other side of London, Chelsea have been incredibly active this summer. Their transfer business already includes the signings of Liam Delap, Dario Essugo, Mamadou Sarr, and Joao Pedro from Brighton. Now, they’re on the verge of adding Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund in a £55million move. That’s five attackers either confirmed or soon to be confirmed. And they’re still waiting on Estevao Willian, the Palmeiras wonderkid who will join after the FIFA Club World Cup.

Despite this intense level of business, Chelsea haven’t closed the door on bringing in more attackers. Sources around Stamford Bridge suggest that Kudus is still on their radar — even with the squad looking increasingly packed.

Would Kudus be wise to join Chelsea at this time? Would he even play regularly? Or would he be just another talented player caught in the Stamford Bridge rotation machine? This is the dilemma facing the Ghanaian star. Football writer Rob Guest had a clear opinion when asked to choose between Chelsea and Tottenham for Kudus’ next destination.

“If I were Kudus, I would be picking Tottenham over Chelsea this summer,” Guest said. His reasons? It’s about more than just game time — it’s about growth, development, and coaching. He believes that under Thomas Frank, Kudus could unlock a new level in his career. That the Danish coach has a proven track record of developing talents and could help Kudus find the consistency that’s sometimes missing.

Guest also made the point that Chelsea’s squad is crowded. Very crowded. With so many attacking players signed or about to sign, Kudus might struggle to get regular minutes. Chelsea fans know all too well how easily young talent can get lost in the shuffle at their club.

Meanwhile, Tottenham would likely only spend big on a player they intend to use. Guest added that it’s “highly unlikely” Spurs would pay West Ham’s asking price only to bench Kudus. And while it’s rare for Tottenham and West Ham to do deals with each other, it’s not impossible — especially if West Ham need to generate funds this summer. The stars could align for a shock transfer.

Another football journalist, Kieran Horn, echoed Guest’s view. In his analysis, Horn pointed to one thing — Kudus just fits Tottenham’s current needs better than Chelsea’s. Spurs are rebuilding with a clear direction under Thomas Frank. They need attackers who can press, create, and adapt quickly. Kudus is all of that and more. And unlike Chelsea, who seem to sign players more out of opportunity than necessity, Tottenham would be signing Kudus with a specific plan in mind. For a player, that makes a huge difference.

Despite all of the noise around Tottenham and the growing belief that Kudus would fit better in North London, Chelsea haven’t stepped away from the race. Their decision to monitor Kudus — even after signing Pedro — shows how highly they rate the West Ham star. The only problem is, Chelsea’s transfer strategy can be ruthless. Players come in fast, and if they don’t hit the ground running, they’re loaned out, benched, or sold. Just ask Mykhailo Mudryk. Or Noni Madueke. Or David Datro Fofana.

It’s not about money. It’s about the platform to shine. At West Ham, Kudus was allowed freedom. He had space to express himself. But the pressure at Chelsea is relentless. And with Enzo Maresca now in charge, the style of play will be highly tactical and possibly restrictive for free spirits like Kudus. Or does he go to Tottenham, where the project is clearer, the team more balanced, and the coach already proven at getting the best from unpredictable talents?

As all of this unfolds, West Ham are quietly weighing up their options. They know Kudus has value. And they know clubs are circling. But they also have their own summer plans — new players to bring in, gaps to fill, and perhaps, a squad reset to consider. If Kudus wants to leave, they might not stop him. But they’ll demand a significant fee — probably around the £50–£60 million mark.

The only obstacle? They’ve rarely done business with Tottenham. There’s a rivalry there, a tension. But football has changed. And if Spurs come with the right offer, and Kudus makes it clear that North London is his preferred destination, West Ham might be forced to listen. Especially if Chelsea hesitate. This is the part that no transfer story can truly answer — what is going through Kudus’ mind right now?

He left Ajax to join a Premier League club where he would be trusted, played often, and respected. And at times, West Ham have given him that. But maybe not consistently. Now, with his reputation growing, he has a choice to make. Chelsea? A club with Champions League dreams and a never-ending transfer budget — but filled with attackers, each fighting for their own place in the XI.

Tottenham? A club rebuilding, with a clearer vision, and a coach who could genuinely improve him. Less pressure, more time, and perhaps the right environment to take the next step. Kudus is not just choosing a club — he’s choosing a future. He’s choosing who believes in him.

As the summer progresses, more twists are expected in the Kudus transfer story. Chelsea may return with a formal bid. Tottenham might accelerate their approach. West Ham will be watching both sides closely. And Kudus himself must decide what kind of player — and man — he wants to be in a Premier League filled with stars, he stands at a crossroads.

Does he become another name in Chelsea’s long list of prospects? Or does he take a bold step with Tottenham, where a coach like Thomas Frank could help him become a true Premier League superstar? Whatever he chooses, Mohammed Kudus has already won one thing: attention. Now, all eyes are on him. And London waits