Manchester United have lined up Ajax star Mohammed Kudus as an alternative target to Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, as per reports.
Erik ten Hag, the Red Devils boss, has made the signing of Mason Mount one of his top priorities of the summer transfer window. However, the club have had three bids rejected for the England midfielder, the latest last week worth around £55 million. They believe their valuation for Mount is fair, as the playmaker is set to enter the final year of his contract at Chelsea and is keen to move to Old Trafford.
With a deal for Mount stalling, the Mancunian club have identified three possible alternatives to the Chelsea man. According to ESPN, Manchester United have made an enquiry for Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus, who is attracting interest from Brighton as well this summer.
Kudus, 22, enjoyed a prolific 2022-23 season in front of goal for Ajax, netting 18 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions. He further enhanced his reputation by scoring twice in three games for Ghana at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, netting an eye-catching brace in the 3-2 victory over South Korea in the group stages.
🚨 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟: Mohammed Kudus has been voted Ghanaian Player of the Year. 🥇🇬🇭 pic.twitter.com/ipb3W8mYQZ
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) June 26, 2023
As Ajax finished third and subsequently failed to qualify for the Champions League, Kudus has expressed his desire to leave the Dutch giants this summer.
Mohammed Kudus to Manchester United – Should they make a move for him?
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is working on a strict budget this summer for new players. He wants a new striker, midfielder, and goalkeeper, with David de Gea’s contract expiring at the end of June.
In terms of midfield reinforcements, ten Hag wants a creative No.8 to compete with Christian Eriksen next season. He has identified Mason Mount as a top midfield target, and while the midfielder is desperate to swap Stamford Bridge from Old Trafford, Chelsea aren’t making things simple. The Blues have rejected Man United’s third offer for Mount, which has led Ten Hag and co. to shift their focus elsewhere.
As a result, Man United have revived their interest in Mohammed Kudus.
Kudus was signed by Ten Hag during his time at Ajax in 2020 from Danish side FC Nordsjælland. The Ghanaian is one of the most versatile young players in Europe, capable of playing anywhere across the front line and in midfield.
The 22-year-old operated as an advanced midfielder during his first two seasons at Ajax, but he predominantly featured as either a centre-forward or on the right wing this past campaign. Kudus excelled playing higher up the pitch as he scored plenty of goals, bagged assists and created opportunities for his teammates.
At United, the Ghanaian could operate along with Bruno Fernandes as the two No.8s ahead of Casemiro. He would be an upgrade on Eriksen in terms of energy and work rate while adding more edge to Manchester United’s attack. Kudus is coming off the back of a fantastic season in the Netherlands and could make an immediate impact in ten Hag’s side.
At 22, Kudus is a star in the making and has the qualities required to succeed in the Premier League. He could unlock his true potential at Manchester United and become a key player under ten Hag. Thus, the Red Devils must not hesitate to table an offer for the versatile Ghanaian.