David Sullivan could make himself unpopular with West Ham fans if he sanctions £35.59m player’s exit – opinion | OneFootball

West Ham United are not having a great season, and it could get worse for the Hammers if a rumour is to be believed.

According to talkSPORT, Arsenal are interested in signing Mohammed Kudus from West Ham in the January transfer window.

West Ham United willing to sell Mohammed Kudus

The report has claimed that the Gunners are considering a bid for Kudus next month to help them score more goals from open play.

For West Ham fans, that is not the worst bit of the rumour. TalkSPORT have claimed that West Ham themselves are willing to sell the winger in the middle of the season if they get a big-money offer.

The 24-year-old, who can also operate as an attacking midfielder, has a release clause of £85 million in his contract at West Ham that becomes active in the summer of 2025. The London club paid an initial £35.59 million (Sky Sports) for him to Ajax in the summer of 2023.

View: David Sullivan should not sanction Mohammed Kudus exit

While Kudus is not having a particularly great season, West Ham co-owner David Sullivan simply cannot let him leave in the January transfer window.

Sullivan would become hugely unpopular with the West Ham fans if Kudus departs in the middle of the season, even for over £80 million.

The Ghana international is one of the better players in the current West Ham team. The attacker has scored two goals and given one assist in 11 Premier League matches for Julen Lopetegui’s side this campaign.

Kudus found the back of the net 18 times and provided seven assists in 48 matches in all competitions for the Hammers last season.

Now, if West Ham do not finish in the European places in the Premier League table this season, then Kudus himself could want to leave next summer.

Most West Ham fans would understand that and accept it, but if the player himself is not itching to leave London Stadium now, then Sullivan should not even think of cashing in on him.

Kudus has a release clause of £85 million in his contract for next summer, so West Ham are guaranteed to get good money for him.

Therefore, there is no point in West Ham selling such an important player next month and potentially hurting their campaign.