Mohamed Kudus release clause after leaving ‘big impression’ on Liverpool

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Mohamed Kudus release clause after leaving ‘big impression’ on Liverpool
Michael Plant
3 – 4 minutes

Liverpool’s links with Mohammed Kudus have resurfaced in the wake of Sunday’s 2-1 win over West Ham United.

The Ghanaian has regularly cropped up in the Liverpool rumors and whispers over recent years, under the reigns of both Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot. Kudus showed his quality once again in the second half at Anfield at the weekend with several penetrative runs through the middle, while he also forced Alisson into an excellent reaction save.

Slot labelled him “almost uncontrollable” after the game, prompting a fresh wave of media speculation that the West Ham star could be a summer option for Liverpool. That Slot knows the former Ajax star so well from his time managing in the Netherlands only fuels that thought process.

Meanwhile, Daily Mail reporter Dominic King wrote on X that Liverpool’s players have been impressed by Kudus for years. “He’s been making a big impression on Liverpool’s squad for a long, long time. The dressing room was raving about his quality after Ajax played at Anfield in September 2022 and he scored. Lucas Paqueta outstanding also.”

Slot also praised Kudus in December ahead of the reverse league fixture at the London Stadium. “I think he’s a good player, that’s for sure. Everybody sees this,” said the 46-year-old.

“He can play multiple positions. I think he played here for Ajax against Liverpool as a nine as well. He’s a big threat for them.”

Kudus is represented by the same agency who handle Virgil van Dijk, Harvey Elliott, Caoimhin Kelleher and the familiar relations would certainly help smooth a summer switch. Should the Reds opt to try and sign the 24-year-old, he could be available for £85million ($112M), according to The Athletic. The outlet states his release clause expired in July last year but will be active again this summer.

Mohammed Kudus of West Ham United is challenged by Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool FC at London Stadium on April 27, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by )
Mohammed Kudus has impressed Liverpool for several years. (Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Despite that, Kudus has endured an underwhelming campaign for West Ham in 2024/25. He has scored three goals in 29 appearances – the last of which came in December. Whether Liverpool would part with such a significant fee for an attacking midfielder is also unclear – there are bigger areas of weakness in Slot’s squad.

Interestingly, Kudus did praise Liverpool in the wake of Sunday’s defeat. “I’m very proud of the team and everyone because we gave it our all,” he told the club’s website. “We knew playing at Anfield against the best team in the league was going to be a tough challenge, but I think everyone stood up against it for the whole game.”