Liverpool fans can thank Man Utd flop ANTONY that Mohammed Kudus isn't playing for Everton | OneFootball

Reported Liverpool transfer target Mohammed Kudus could already be playing on Merseyside if it wasn’t for Manchester United flop ANTONY.

Transfer links between the West Ham forward and Liverpool have grown significantly in the last few weeks with the revelation from Ghanaian media that the Reds were preparing to unlock his release clause.

A few weeks back, David Ornstein confirmed the existence of the buyout clause in his Hammers contract, which extends to 2028, and last week a new report claimed it stood at £85 million.

That is a hefty sum but the likelihood is that the Reds are going to have to pay big money for a quality replacement for Mohamed Salah.

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The Egyptian king is out of contract in 2025 and there are reports that Liverpool would consider a bid from Al-Ittihad should one materialise this summer.

Kudus has leapt to the top of the contenders list to replace the 31-year-old, having delivered on his promise during his first season in the Premier League.

The Ghana international completed a surprise £38m move to the London Stadium last summer from Ajax amid interest from a host of the continent’s top sides.

He has scored seven times in his debut season in the English top flight, and also scored one of the goals of the season during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 win against Freiburg in the capital.

Kudus’ form places him in the transfer spotlight

A left-footer who operates from the right side, the 23-year-old has drawn comparisons to Salah but is a far more versatile player who can feature in midfield, at No.10 and as a striker.

And he could have been showcasing his talents in the Premier League EVEN BEFORE last summer when he swapped the Eredivisie for east London.

And if he ultimately ends up at Anfield, then Liverpool fans will owe a modicum of thanks to Brazilian winger Antony.

In the summer of 2022, Liverpool’s city rivals Everton made an attempt to sign Kudus from Ajax.

London, England, 27th April 2024. Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool and Mohammed Kudus of West Ham United challenge for the ball during the Premier League match at the London Stadium, London. Picture credit should read: Paul Terry / Sportimage EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. SPI-3108-0036

The player had suffered a frustrating 2021-22 season, being restricted to 16 Eredivisie games and only one goal due to injury, but he was earmarked for a starring role the following campaign.

Manchester United’s bid for winger Antony went to irresistible heights, meaning they had no choice but to agree to sell him to the Erik ten Hag-coached side.

The Dutch giants were reportedly not prepared to lose two attackers in one summer and fended off Everton’s interest, much to the consternation of Kudus at the time.

"The fact that Ajax blocked a transfer to Everton last summer disappointed me. I thought it was time for a new chapter in my career, because I didn’t play here," Kudus admitted to De Telegraaf last year.

"But the moment the transfer market closed, my full focus was back on Ajax. The only reason I wanted to leave before that was my reserve role."

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