Mohammed Kudus is pleased to have realised his dream of playing in the Premier League after completing his move to West Ham United from Ajax.
The Ghana international signed a five-year deal with the Hammers worth a reported £38 million with the option of a further year. The 23-year-old also comes with a reputation as one of Europe’s top prospects having attracted the interest of clubs such as Arsenal and Chelsea.
Kudus spent three years at Ajax, making 87 competitive appearances, scoring 27 goals and providing 12 assists, including his final game with the Dutch giants where he netted a hat-trick in a 4-1 UEFA Europa League qualification win over Bulgarian giants Ludogorets last week.
“I’ve been dreaming to play in a league like this since I was a kid,” Kudus said on the West Ham website.
“I’ve been dreaming of this moment and I’m so happy to be here. But it doesn’t stop here, I want to keep going.
“I try my best to entertain the fans as I think that’s what football is all about. I’m just here to do my best and help the team. I’m really happy to be here. I will fight for the badge. I can’t wait to get started.”
GH boy touched down in the East End ???????? pic.twitter.com/1UvMIc4XRW
— West Ham United (@WestHam) August 27, 2023
West Ham manager David Moyes said of Kudus: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to bring Mohammed to West Ham United. He’s a terrific young talent, who has already shone at the very highest level for Ajax in the Champions League and made well over 150 senior appearances at the age of 23 – so it was no surprise to see so many top clubs chasing his signature this summer.
“The fact we’ve been able to attract a player of his undoubted quality to London Stadium shows the pull West Ham have now – the Board and Tim deserve huge credit for getting this one over the line.”
Kudus is the fourth major signing for West Ham this summer after Edson Alvarez also from Ajax, defender Konstantinos Mavropanos from VfB Stuttgart and midfielder James Ward-Prowse from Southampton.
Kudus could make his Premier League debut on Friday when West Ham travel to Luton Town.
