Chelsea’s failed attempt to sign Mohammed Kudus from West Ham this summer has been revealed by the midfielder’s agent. According to Jennifer Mendelewitsch, Kudus was initially offered to Paris Saint-Germain before the French club opted to sign Manuel Ugarte, another Chelsea midfield target, from Portuguese side Sporting CP. Mendelewitsch also claimed that Chelsea did not follow up their initial offer, which was in the region of €15m to €20m (£17.4m to £23.2m).
Kudus ended up joining West Ham in a deal worth €41.5million (£35.6m), plus a further €3m (£2.5m) in add-ons. Mendelewitsch revealed that Kudus had talks with Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino and even agreed to a contract, but the deal did not happen because Chelsea made a “ridiculous” offer to Ajax. Mendelewitsch further stated that Chelsea made several low offers to clubs this summer, knowing they wouldn’t be accepted, as they were completely focused on the transfer of Moises Caicedo from Brighton.
Despite the failed move to Chelsea, Mendelewitsch believes that Kudus would have been a suitable profile for the club. She expressed disappointment that Chelsea did not make a counter-offer and suggested that the circumstances were not right for Kudus to join Chelsea. However, she acknowledged that it is hard to refuse an offer from a club like Chelsea.
The revelation of Chelsea’s failed attempt to sign Kudus sheds light on the club’s transfer activities during the summer window. It appears that Chelsea prioritized the signing of Caicedo and made low offers to other clubs, potentially undervaluing their targets. This strategy may have hindered their ability to secure the signings they desired.
Kudus’ move to West Ham has proven to be successful so far. The Ghana international has made a positive impact for the club, showcasing his talent and contributing to their performances on the pitch. West Ham’s decision to sign Kudus for a significant fee indicates their belief in his abilities and their commitment to strengthening their squad.
The failed move to Chelsea highlights the competitive nature of the transfer market and the challenges clubs face in securing their desired targets. It also raises questions about Chelsea’s transfer strategy and their approach to negotiations. While they were able to secure high-profile signings like Caicedo, their failure to follow through on the Kudus deal suggests room for improvement in their transfer dealings.
Overall, the revelation of Chelsea’s failed attempt to sign Mohammed Kudus provides insight into the club’s transfer activities and sheds light on the challenges and complexities of the transfer market. It serves as a reminder that not all deals come to fruition and that clubs must navigate various factors to secure their desired signings. As for Kudus, he has found success at West Ham and will continue to contribute to the club’s ambitions moving forward.