Man Utd Willing to Pay £38m for Star Who Scored at Old Trafford This Season
As Manchester United prepare for a critical summer rebuild, reports have emerged that the club is ready to spend £38 million to sign a player who impressed them directly on their home turf. The player in question: Mohammed Kudus, the dynamic Ghanaian attacking midfielder who scored a stunning goal for West Ham United during their 2-0 Premier League win at Old Trafford earlier this season.
With INEOS now overseeing football operations and Sir Jim Ratcliffe determined to reshape the squad with younger, high-ceiling talent, Kudus has been identified as a prime target to inject creativity, intensity, and flair into a United side sorely lacking in attacking dynamism.
Let’s dive deeper into what makes Kudus a priority target, how a potential deal could unfold, and why this transfer could be pivotal for Manchester United’s future.
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Kudus: Making His Mark at Old Trafford
On February 4th, 2025, Manchester United faced West Ham at Old Trafford in a crucial league fixture. The Red Devils were already struggling for consistency under manager Rúben Amorim, and the Hammers took full advantage.
Mohammed Kudus stole the show, scoring a brilliant goal that sealed a 2-0 victory for West Ham. His combination of close control, explosive pace, and clinical finishing stunned the home crowd and reportedly caught the attention of United’s football hierarchy. The Ghanaian’s performance didn’t just earn him man of the match honors—it may have kick-started negotiations behind the scenes.
According to sources close to the club, United scouts were “massively impressed” by Kudus’ ability to control games from the right side of midfield or further forward. It’s that blend of technical quality and versatility that makes him an attractive asset in the eyes of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and new sporting director Dan Ashworth.
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A Player United Desperately Need
United’s attacking woes this season have been well documented. Marcus Rashford’s form has fallen off a cliff, Antony has failed to justify his price tag, and Jadon Sancho remains exiled. While Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Højlund have shown promise, the team lacks a player who can consistently beat defenders, create chances under pressure, and offer positional fluidity.
Enter Mohammed Kudus.
At 24, Kudus is entering the prime of his career. Since his arrival from Ajax to West Ham in the summer of 2023, he has adapted swiftly to the Premier League. In all competitions this season, he has recorded:
12 goals and 7 assists
Over 80 successful dribbles
A pass completion rate of 86% in the final third
A work rate that allows him to press relentlessly from the front
He can play as a winger, attacking midfielder, or even a false nine—making him exactly the kind of multi-functional player Amorim values for his positional system.
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The £38m Price Tag: A Smart Investment?
West Ham paid around £38 million for Kudus in 2023, and while they may look to recoup more than that figure, sources suggest that a deal could be struck close to the original fee due to clauses in his contract related to European qualification or player interest from top clubs.
From Manchester United’s perspective, this represents a smart investment. With inflated transfer markets often pushing prices well beyond value, Kudus offers Champions League-level potential at a relatively affordable cost.
Comparing with recent signings:
Antony: £85 million – Underperforming
Sancho: £73 million – Out of the squad
Mount: £55 million – Injury-plagued and inconsistent
A £38 million deal for a Premier League-proven, dynamic playmaker would mark a shift toward more pragmatic and value-driven recruitment under INEOS.
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Amorim’s Vision: Kudus the Perfect Fit?
Rúben Amorim, despite his rocky debut season, is expected to stay on for at least another year under the INEOS regime. The club’s football leadership believes in his long-term project, which revolves around a 3-4-3 formation with inverted forwards, vertical passing, and aggressive pressing.
Kudus fits this blueprint seamlessly. His ability to drift inside, occupy half-spaces, and connect midfield to attack is critical for a manager like Amorim, who demands positional fluidity. In many ways, Kudus offers what United have been missing since the departure of Juan Mata and the decline of Paul Pogba—a midfielder who can think and act quickly in tight spaces while maintaining forward momentum.
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West Ham’s Position and Negotiation Stance
West Ham are reportedly reluctant to lose Kudus but are aware of the financial realities if a club like Manchester United comes knocking. If the Hammers fail to qualify for European competition next season—a possibility given their inconsistent form—they may find it difficult to keep hold of one of their star players.
The presence of release or exit clauses, rumored to be in the £38-£40 million range, gives United a strong negotiating position. Kudus himself is said to be open to a move, especially to a club with a bigger global platform and a higher competitive ceiling.
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Fan Reaction: Hope or Hesitation?
Fan forums and social media reactions to the Kudus rumors have been largely positive. Many supporters have grown tired of big-money flops and are calling for more intelligent recruitment based on form, adaptability, and character.
Kudus, known for his professionalism and work ethic, brings none of the off-field baggage that has plagued other recent signings. He also has experience in European competitions and an international pedigree with Ghana, making him both a short-term asset and a long-term cornerstone.
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What This Means for Current Players
A move for Kudus could signal the end for several underperforming players at Old Trafford. Antony, who plays in a similar role, could be loaned or sold. Jadon Sancho’s future looks increasingly bleak, and even Bruno Fernandes could face competition in more advanced roles.
This shift reflects INEOS’s intent to shake up the status quo and end the culture of underperformance and entitlement that has plagued the squad in recent years.
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Conclusion: A Step Toward a Smarter United?
Manchester United’s willingness to spend £38 million on Mohammed Kudus is more than just another transfer rumor—it’s a sign of strategic change. Kudus is not a flashy marquee name, but he’s a player that fits the club’s needs: dynamic, proven, versatile, and hungry.
In a summer that promises yet another rebuild, bringing in a player who has already delivered at Old Trafford—albeit in enemy colors—could be the first step toward reclaiming control, identity, and consistency.
If United get this deal over the line, it might finally mark the beginning of smarter decisions from a club long overdue for th
em.
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Would you like a visual player comparison between Kudus and United’s current attacking midfielders?
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