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Ajax star Mohammed Kudus 'did everything possible' to move to Everton
Mohammed Kudus did all he could to move to Everton before the close of the transfer window but was denied, according to London World’s Rahman Osman.
The Ghanian international smashed what Rio Ferdinand called a “devastating finish” on BT Sport in off the bar at Anfield on Tuesday night (13 September) when Ajax faced Liverpool, after scoring a similarly excellent goal against Rangers last week.
He had been close to a move to Goodison Park in August and had agree personal terms according to Fabrizio Romano, but despite refusing to train as he tried to force it through amid a late bid from the Toffees Ajax wouldn’t let him go.
Writing on his Twitter account Osman responded to a question about whether Kudus had wanted to move during the transfer window with: “Yep. Did everything possible to leave but they wouldn’t let him.”
Asked specifically what the preferred destination was he replied simply with: “Everton.”
Missed opportunity
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Kudus’ profile has already sky-rocketed since the Toffees pushed to get a deal for him over the line, and Ajax look to have been vindicated almost immediately in their decision to block the move.
The attacking midfielder had wanted to leave to secure adequate game time ahead of the World Cup but his involvement has been increasing since deadline day.
He has now scored five times and assisted once in four games during September, and the stand-out performances in the Champions League have made everyone notice.
It looks like Everton were ahead of the curve on this one but ended up being thwarted by circumstance, as a combination of Alfred Schreuder not wanting to lose another attacking option after the late sale of Antony to Manchester United, and Ajax realising they had an asset on their hands amid heightened interest ultimately made the move impossible.
Frank Lampard would have loved to have the 22-year-old in his ranks, especially as his side has been struggling to open the flood gates with goals so far.
Hammering them in against Liverpool is also one characteristic that would have gone down particularly well around Goodison.
But if he is to move in the future it now seems sure to be for far more than the £15million-plus that was on offer a month ago.