Mohammed Kudus has been a key player for West Ham United since joining the club from Ajax in the summer of 2023. However, recent reports suggest that the Ghanaian international could be on his way out of the club, either in January or next summer. Kudus, who has been a standout performer for the Hammers, is now reportedly a target for Arsenal, which has left many West Ham fans anxious. The prospect of losing another star to a London rival, especially after the departure of Declan Rice to Arsenal in 2023, has stirred up strong emotions among supporters.
When Rice left West Ham for Arsenal last summer, it was a significant blow to the team. The midfielder was a crucial part of the squad, and his departure left a noticeable gap in the midfield. The team has not been the same since, and many fans are still mourning his loss. Now, the possibility of losing another key player in Kudus is an unsettling thought for the club. Kudus has been exceptional since his arrival, and while his head-loss against Tottenham three weeks ago was a rare setback, it hasn’t overshadowed his overall impact.
In his first 15 months at West Ham, Kudus has scored 16 goals and registered seven assists in 55 appearances. These numbers highlight his importance to the team, and he has formed a strong partnership with Jarrod Bowen as one of the standout performers. Kudus’s performances have made him a fan favorite, and his versatility in attacking roles has been invaluable to the team. The 24-year-old has quickly established himself as one of the club’s most important players.
Kudus’s current contract includes an £85 million buyout clause, which can be triggered starting from July 2025. This means that, while West Ham can do little to prevent him from leaving once that clause is activated, they still have time to prepare for a potential departure. If the worst-case scenario happens and Kudus leaves in the summer, West Ham will be in line to receive a hefty sum for his transfer. The challenge, however, lies in replacing him.
Fortunately, it seems that West Ham is already planning for a future without Kudus. The club is reportedly targeting potential replacements to fill the void his departure would leave. One name that has emerged as a potential target is Andreas Skov Olsen, a winger currently playing for Belgian club Club Brugge. Olsen, 24, has been in impressive form, scoring 46 goals and providing 26 assists in 114 appearances for Brugge. He has caught the attention of West Ham’s transfer team, and it is believed that he could cost the club around £30 million.
Olsen is a left-footed right winger, known for his pace, technical ability, and powerful shot. He is a player with great potential, and his skill set makes him an attractive option for West Ham. However, while Olsen is an exciting talent, it’s important to note that he is not exactly the same type of player as Kudus. Kudus’s ability to operate in various attacking positions, his creativity, and his knack for scoring goals make him a unique presence in the West Ham lineup. Olsen may be able to bring some of these qualities to the table, but the challenge for West Ham will be ensuring they don’t just replace Kudus with one player but with a combination of talent that can match his output.
West Ham’s key priority will be to strengthen their squad and find players who can replicate the contribution Kudus has made. If Kudus does leave, the £85 million fee could be used wisely to reinvest in the team. The hope is that the club will learn from the mistakes made when they failed to replace Declan Rice adequately after his departure. While losing Kudus would undoubtedly be a blow, it also presents an opportunity for West Ham to make smart signings and potentially improve their squad.
In the end, while West Ham fans are understandably nervous about the prospect of losing another star player, there is a glimmer of hope that the club is already taking steps to secure replacements. The £85 million release clause provides a financial cushion, and with careful planning, West Ham can use that money to strengthen the team for the future. Whether they can find a player or players who can match Kudus’s contributions will be key to how well the club copes with his eventual departure.
