Brighton have enquired about Ajax attacker Mohammed Kudus ahead of a potential swoop this summer transfer window.
Mohammed Kudus, 22, has spent the last three years with Ajax, but he took his game to the next level this past campaign, scoring 18 goals and providing six assists in 42 appearances across all competitions. He also chipped in with two goals in three games for Ghana at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Despite still having two years left on his contract, the Ghanaian international rejected a one-year contract extension in April as he wants to leave Ajax before the start of the 2023-24 season. Kudus has had interest from Everton, Liverpool and Manchester United in the past, but it is Brighton who reportedly have made the attacker one of their top transfer targets for this transfer window.
Mohammed Kudus firmly on Brighton’s radar
Roberto de Zerbi is keen to build on last season’s sixth-placed finish in the Premier League and bolster Brighton’s squad ahead of the south coast club embarking on their debut campaign in the Europa League. He has already added three new faces to his squad, with midfield pair Mahmoud Dahoud and James Milner joining on free transfers from Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, respectively, and forward Joao Pedro signing for a club-record fee from Watford.
Brighton are also believed to be closing in on the signing of Anderlecht goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. They are also interested in Teun Koopmeiners but are yet to open talks with Atalanta. Having lost Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool at the start of the transfer window, De Zerbi wants to replace the Argentinean World Cup winner in his squad and has set his sights on Mohammed Kudus.
Kudus is one of the most versatile young players in the European continent, with the Ghanaian international able to operate out wide, as a false 9 and also in midfield. He predominantly featured as either a centre-forward or on the right flank for Ajax this past campaign, and such tactical versatility seemingly appeals to De Zerbi.
The 22-year-old has already won two Eredivisie titles and a Dutch domestic cup, while his experience of playing in Europe could benefit the Seagulls massively next term. Kudus is an extremely talented player with a huge potential to crack. Thus, it is no surprise really that a host of top clubs want Kudus’ signature.
Nevertheless, Brighton seem intent on putting together a competent squad that can kick on from their sixth-placed finish. Kudus would be an outstanding addition to De Zerbi’s Seagulls, but with massive interest in the player, it won’t be easy for them.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.