Ajax reject second West Ham bid for Mohammed Kudus

Ajax have rejected a second offer from West Ham for Mohammed Kudus, according to multiple sources.

The offer apparently stood at €42 million, which is more than the bid the Dutch side initially accepted from Brighton before the attacking midfielder refused the move earlier this summer. Ajax have obviously raised their valuation of the player significantly, and the Hammers will now consider whether to continue the negotiations or drop their interest for the time being.

While there have been suggestions that West Ham started targeting Kudus in the light of a possible transfer of Lucas Paqueta to Manchester City, which is now off due to the Brazilian facing betting charges, relevant sources claim the two deals are not connected in any way.

The fact that the Hammers made the second offer after the Paqueta charges came to light and City withdrew from the talks appears at first glance to confirm that claim, but it should be said that Paqueta faces the prospect of a long ban from playing football, and if it happens, West Ham’s need for a player like Kudus would obviously increase.

Understand West Ham have submitted new formal bid for Mohammed Kudus in last 24h — worth €42m package ⚒️🇬🇭

Ajax have rejected the proposal out of hand. No intention to accept at those conditions.

West Ham will now decide if they want to leave the table as there’s no agreement. pic.twitter.com/OY7dCwLYvW

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 22, 2023