Frank Lampard & Everton very keen on Ajax World Cup star Mohammed Kudus – David Ornstein
Everton are still very keen on signing Mohammed Kudus from Ajax after his performances at the World Cup for Ghana, reports David Ornstein.
The Toffees were close to signing the Ghana international in the summer only for the Dutch side to pull the plug at the last minute after selling Antony to Manchester United at the end of the window.
But that hasn’t put Frank Lampard and Everton off trying again, especially as his performances have stood out among his peers with 10 goals in 24 games this season and two goals at the World Cup.
“Frank Lampard and company are still keen,” he wrote for The Athletic (12 December). “There was informal contact with Everton’s neighbours Liverpool last summer, as well as interest from French sides over a loan.
“The Premier League is Kudus’ first-choice destination and operating in midfield is a key factor. Ajax have been using him as a false nine and there seems little prospect of that changing under Ten Hag’s successor Alfred Schreuder, whereas he shone at the World Cup when deployed in his favoured position.
“Although suitors are enquiring about his availability, there have been no formal discussions yet. It will come down to the stance of Ajax, where Kudus has a contract that runs until June 2025.”
Full steam ahead
If Everton are still interested in signing Kudus, then they must do absolutely everything they can to get a deal for him over the line.
Kudus showed during the World Cup that he has got brilliant dribbling and a great eye for goals and passes, and that is exactly what Everton are lacking in their forward line currently.
If his preference is to play in midfield then it certainly gives Lampard options, but a trio of Kudus with Amadou Onana and Alex Iwobi could certainly be shaped in a way so that it is not too top heavy and is still capable of competing.
There will be big competition in the January window undoubtedly as his talent is now known on a much wider scale, but he had previously agreed to join and there is no reason why he wouldn’t want to now.
If the opportunity arises and it’s doable, then it’s a transfer that Everton should be doing everything they can to get it done.