Report: Liverpool’s £85m Premier League Target Linked to Saudi Switch | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Secret Weapon in the Pursuit of Mohammed Kudus

Liverpool are reportedly in a favourable position in the race to sign the talented West Ham United star, Mohammed Kudus. A strategic move by new head coach Arne Slot has given Liverpool the upper hand amid fierce competition, including interest from Saudi Arabia.

Kudus Shines For West Ham

Last season, Mohammed Kudus showcased his remarkable talent with West Ham, scoring 18 goals and providing seven assists in 48 appearances across all competitions. His impressive performance extended to the Africa Cup of Nations in January, where he netted twice, although Ghana failed to progress past the group stage.

Kudus has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most exciting players, known for his ability to dribble past multiple defenders and score spectacular goals. Gary Neville praised the 23-year-old’s stunning overhead kick against Manchester City in May, calling him a ‘brilliant’ player with the potential for ‘incredible’ goals.

Capable of playing as a No. 10, right winger, or centre-forward, Kudus is proving he has what it takes to excel at an elite club competing in the Champions League.

Photo IMAGO

Saudi Competition and Liverpool’s Interest

According to TEAMtalk, Saudi clubs are eyeing a blockbuster move for Kudus and his West Ham teammate Lucas Paqueta. However, West Ham is determined to keep their star players.

Liverpool has also identified Kudus as a prime target, especially if Mo Salah departs for Saudi Arabia either this summer or next. Reports from the Liverpool Echo suggest that Liverpool hold a significant advantage in convincing Kudus to join Anfield.

The Heitinga Connection

A crucial factor in Liverpool’s favour is the appointment of Johnny Heitinga to Arne Slot’s backroom staff. The Dutch compatriot of Slot has a strong relationship with Kudus, having worked with him at Ajax and more recently at West Ham.

Kudus has expressed high regard for Heitinga, stating: “I felt very good under Heitinga. He is the best trainer I have had at Ajax. Apart from the training aspect, I also have a very high regard for him in terms of standards and values. Personally, I would have loved to work with him longer.”

Heitinga’s influence could play a pivotal role if Liverpool decides to enter formal negotiations for Kudus. The Ghanaian ace, capped 34 times, may find it easier to agree on personal terms with Liverpool thanks to his positive experiences with Heitinga.

Photo: IMAGO

Potential Hurdles in the Transfer

Despite the strong personal connections, Liverpool faces challenges in securing Kudus’s transfer. West Ham initially invested £38 million in the player and, given his stellar performances, they are likely to seek a substantial profit. The Irons may demand as much as £85 million, especially considering they are reluctant to strengthen a domestic rival like Liverpool.

In conclusion, Liverpool’s pursuit of Mohammed Kudus is boosted by the strategic appointment of Johnny Heitinga, who shares a strong bond with the player. While this connection gives Liverpool a significant advantage, the high transfer fee West Ham is expected to demand remains a major obstacle. Nonetheless, Kudus’s potential addition to the squad could be a game-changer for Liverpool, adding another layer of excitement to their attacking options.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

The prospect of signing Mohammed Kudus is incredibly exciting. Kudus represents everything we crave in a player – versatility, flair, and an eye for goal. His ability to glide past defenders and score from seemingly impossible positions makes him a perfect fit for our dynamic style of play.

Imagine the havoc Kudus could wreak alongside our existing stars. His creativity and energy would undoubtedly complement players like Darwin Núñez and Diogo Jota, creating a formidable attacking force. Plus, his familiarity with Johnny Heitinga could make his transition to Anfield seamless, giving us an edge in nurturing his immense potential.

Yes, the £85 million price tag is hefty, but investing in a player of Kudus’s calibre could pay off handsomely. We’ve seen how transformative signings can elevate the squad, and Kudus feels like a future star ready to shine on the biggest stage. If Liverpool can pull this off, it would be a thrilling addition, further solidifying our pursuit of glory in the Premier League and beyond.