Liverpool are gearing up behind the scenes for the upcoming transfer window, with David Ornstein offering insights into their potential moves.
Liverpool are preparing up for the upcoming summer transfer window, having resolved their managerial situation. According to insights from The Athletic journalist David Ornstein, there’s speculation about the possibility of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United making a move to Anfield.
Following Jurgen Klopp’s announcement of his departure by the season’s end, Anfield’s decision-makers embarked on the quest for his successor. It appears that Feyenoord’s Arne Slot is set to step in, with terms settled with the Dutch club.
With Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards, who were recently appointed to handle responsibilities like recruitment, likely shifting focus to the summer transfer window, Kudus is reportedly on their radar.
Liverpool Transfer Target Mohammed Kudus Has a Release Clause
Liverpool are said to be interested in signing Mohammed Kudus, the Ghanaian forward. Recent reports from Spain indicate that Liverpool are eyeing Kudus as a potential long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah.
Kudus, who has been praised as ‘brilliant‘ by David Moyes, has had a standout season with West Ham since joining the Premier League from Ajax.
According to Ornstein on his Q&A for The Athletic, Liverpool are actively considering options for a wide forward, with Kudus being a reported target with a release clause in his contract.
“As you say Alex (I mentioned this on Tuesday’s Athletic FC podcast: https://theathletic.com/podcast/140-the-red-agenda/), from what I hear a wide forward is among the areas Liverpool are exploring heading into the summer window.
“I don’t know if Kudus is an option but he is a brilliant player, has enjoyed an excellent debut season and it would be surprising if he wasn’t on the radar of Liverpool and any other leading club looking to strengthen in that part of the pitch.
“It isn’t an alleged release clause, there is one – as has been reported in various places. I don’t know the details but Kudus is not alone in having such a mechanism in his contract; Paqueta and other West Ham players do, too.
“You’ll remember it was one of the reasons why he didn’t end up joining Brighton. I have no idea if it would be a hindrance or a help… that depends on the terms and the financial situations of his potential suitors. West Ham will of course want to keep Kudus and build with him.”
As a stand-in for Salah, Kudus may not match his caliber just yet, but he shares a similar profile as the Liverpool forward. A dynamic left-footed right-sided winger, Kudus could potentially fill Salah’s role for the Reds. At 23 years old, the West Ham star still has ample room for growth and development.
Liverpool face a pivotal choice regarding Salah, whose contract expires next summer. Failing to secure his signature on a new deal could necessitate his sale to prevent a free departure.
Recent report from The Athletic suggests Salah will remain at Liverpool for the 2024/2025 season. However, given his age and contract uncertainty, the club must seek a successor, making a strategic pursuit of players like Kudus prudent.
In other Liverpool news, Liverpool Could Be Set to Sign “Sadio Mane 2.0” Under Arne Slot After a Fantastic Run of Form