Newcastle United could look to complete a deal for West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus in the coming months, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke – with the Magpies keen on adding competition for Jacob Murphy ahead of next season.
The report by Football Insider states that Newcastle have ‘identified’ Kudus as a key target should they miss out on a deal for Brentford hero Bryan Mbeumo, with Eddie Howe keen on bolstering the right-hand side of his Magpies squad.
O’Rourke: Kudus ‘Has Admirers’ at Newcastle, He’s a Transfer Target
The Ghanaian struggled this season but he has undeniable talent
Earlier in the week, a report by the same publication suggested that Newcastle could sign Kudus for a cut-price £65million this summer, despite West Ham previously wanting around £90million – and with the Ghanaian believing that he has a lot to offer on the European stage, he would welcome the opportunity to play under Howe in the Champions League after Newcastle finished fifth in the Premier League.
| Mohammed Kudus’ Premier League statistics – West Ham squad ranking | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stats | Output | Squad rank |
| Appearances | 32 | 7th |
| Assists | 3 | 3rd |
| Key Passes Per Game | 1 | =4th |
| Shots Per Game | 2.3 | 2nd |
| Dribbles Per Game | 2.9 | 1st |
| Match rating | 6.89 | 3rd |
And that has been echoed by journalist O’Rourke, who states that Kudus is high up their list of targets, especially with them now being able to afford a move despite labelling the fee at £75million. He said:
“Newcastle can afford a deal for Kudus. As it stands, Bryan Mbeumo is their top target for that right-sided forward position.
“Kudus is on their list and has admirers within the Newcastle hierarchy, and is somebody they feel could come in and strengthen their attacking options. He obviously has that release clause of around £75million, but I don’t think many Premier League clubs will be willing to pay that.
“Due to West Ham’s situation, his suitors feel they can get him for a cheaper fee. They’ll definitely be willing to listen to offers for the Ghana international.
“If Newcastle were to miss out on Mbeumo to Man United or somebody else, it would push Kudus further up their list of targets for the right-winger role. Kudus still feels he has a lot to offer on the European scene, he’s still only 24. If Newcastle come calling with Champions League football, it’s something he would be open to.”
Kudus has spent two years at the London Stadium, excelling in the 2023/24 season with 14 goals and nine assists in all competitions for the Hammers as they finished in the top half of the Premier League, leading to him being called ‘incredible’ by Gary Neville.
