Everton reportedly are the favourites to sign Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus in the January transfer window.
The Ajax attacker, 22, was the standout performer for Ghana at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He netted two goals and provided an assist in three games but couldn’t help Ghana advance to the knockout rounds of the World Cup. After his eye-catching displays in Qatar, it is not a surprise to see a host of clubs from Europe take interest in signing him.
According to African football journalist Gary Al-Smith, Everton have the strongest Premier League interest in Ajax and Ghana star Mohammed Kudus.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Gary Al-Smith said: “For Ghana, the absolute star of this World Cup has been Mohammed Kudus and we know that three Premier League clubs are interested, with Everton being one of the strongest.”
The Toffees were keen on signing Kudus in the summer transfer window but a move didn’t materialise. After a strong first-half of the campaign with Ajax and an impressive World Cup in the Middle East, for which he has been awarded a commemorative gold medal as a reward, Everton have revived their interest in the Ghana international ahead of the winter transfer window.
Mohammed Kudus to Everton—Good move?
It is just a fortnight until the transfer window reopens. While most men’s football leagues paused for the duration of the World Cup, many clubs have been busy trying to get business lined up before the January transfer window commences.
Everton are among those clubs trying to reinforce their squad after a disappointing first half of the 2022/23 campaign. A striker has to be a priority for Frank Lampard in the upcoming window with Dominic Calvert-Lewin yet again plagued by injuries and Neal Maupay struggling for form.
In addition, Lampard could also go for a creative midfielder having seen his team struggle to create openings on a regular basis this season. Mohammed Kudus, in that regard, would be a perfect fit for Everton.
Kudus was excellent for Ghana at the World Cup, carrying on the rich vein of form he’s displayed at Ajax this season. The 22-year-old has scored 10 goals and supplied two assists in 21 appearances for Ajax, including a strike in the 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield in the Champions League. He can play out wide, through the middle as a striker or a No.10, so Everton could massively benefit from the 22-year-old’s versatility, pace, vision and attacking prowess.
However, with Kudus’ contract at the Johan Cruyff Arena up in the summer of 2025, it will take a sizable bid to test Ajax’s resolve. Off the back of a strong World Cup, landing Kudus next month would represent a massive statement of intent from Everton.