Manchester City eyes West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus for January transfer

Manchester City are reportedly preparing a significant January bid for West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus, according to emerging reports from Fichajes.

Kudus has consistently demonstrated his quality on the biggest stages, earning recognition as one of the most versatile attacking talents in European football.

His exceptional skills and ability to perform in high-pressure matches have reportedly caught the attention of Pep Guardiola, as City seeks to bolster their squad with an eye on the future, particularly in light of Kevin De Bruyne’s injury concerns.

However, negotiations could face hurdles over Kudus’ valuation and Manchester City’s transfer priorities. West Ham acquired the Ghanaian international in 2023 for £38 million, and he has since delivered remarkable performances, scoring 17 goals and providing 8 assists in 59 appearances.

His versatility as both an attacking midfielder and winger has made him a key player for the Hammers, particularly as Jack Grealish struggles for form this season.

Manchester City are said to value Kudus at €80 million (£66.3 million), while West Ham have set a firm asking price of £100 million. Although the player’s £85 million release clause will be activated next summer, securing him in January could prove challenging. West Ham remain reluctant to lose a critical squad member mid-season, particularly given Kudus’ growing influence in the Premier League.

City’s immediate focus for the January window, however, appears to be on reinforcing the defensive midfield, with Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich and Blackburn Rovers’ Adam Wharton linked as potential targets.

Kudus’ appeal and Guardiola’s interest

Kudus’ style of play aligns seamlessly with Guardiola’s preference for adaptable, technically gifted players who thrive in a fluid tactical system. His agility, vision, and ability to operate across multiple attacking roles could make him an invaluable asset for Manchester City.

Additionally, his ability to adapt to new systems and styles—a hallmark of his career—might be a decisive factor in Guardiola’s consideration.

If a January move does not materialise, Manchester City could still pursue Kudus during the summer, as they aim to secure a player whose potential and dynamism promise to complement their high-calibre squad.

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