Tottenham Hotspur has completed the signing of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United in a deal valued at approximately £55 million (AU$113 million). This transfer marks a significant moment in the Premier League, as Kudus is the first player to move directly from West Ham to their London rivals since 2011. In a contrasting development, Tottenham’s pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White is reportedly on hold due to potential legal action from Nottingham Forest.
The transfer of Kudus, a Ghanaian international, is seen as a key acquisition for Tottenham, particularly as the club embarks on a new era under manager Thomas Frank. Frank replaced Ange Postecoglou last month, even after Postecoglou led the team to victory in the Europa League, ending a 17-year trophy drought. Kudus expressed his enthusiasm for the move, highlighting the opportunity to compete in the Champions League as a major factor in his decision.
“I have always wanted to play at the highest level,” Kudus stated on the Tottenham website. “The history of the club and the chance to play in the Champions League is a big moment for me. I can’t wait to start.” He also praised Frank’s ability to develop talent, noting, “I have seen the amount of talent he has developed into great players, and that is a big sign of why I wanted to work under him.”
In his time at West Ham, Kudus scored 19 goals in 80 appearances, having joined the club from Ajax for $78 million two years ago. His arrival at Tottenham signals a fresh start for the club, aiming to build on last season’s success, which included a direct entry into the Champions League following their Europa League triumph.
On the other hand, Tottenham’s interest in Gibbs-White, who had been linked with a move after playing a crucial role in Nottingham Forest’s seventh-place finish in the Premier League, has encountered obstacles. The club sought to activate Gibbs-White’s buyout clause, reportedly set at £60 million (approximately $123 millionBBC, Nottingham Forest has not given Tottenham permission to discuss terms with the player and is contemplating legal action.
Premier League regulations prohibit clubs from negotiating with players under contract without the consent of their current club. This development adds another layer of complexity to the transfer landscape as clubs navigate the rules governing player movements.
Gibbs-White’s performance last season was noteworthy, as he contributed seven goals and ten assists in 34 Premier League appearances. His form earned him recognition at the senior England level, where he has been called up under both Lee Carsley and Thomas Tuchel. Additionally, Forest faces another potential loss, as Anthony Elanga is set to join Newcastle in a transfer that could reach $112 million.
With the transfer window still open, the situation surrounding Gibbs-White remains fluid. As clubs position themselves for the new season, the implications of these transfers could significantly impact both Tottenham and Nottingham Forest’s strategies moving forward.
