Following a challenging final season at West Ham, Tottenham's new signing Mohammed Kudus is eager to regain the impressive form that once made him one of Europe's most sought-after talents just two summers ago.
The Ghanaian player finalized his £55 million transfer to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with a long-term contract on Thursday.
BBC Sport explores why the new manager, Thomas Frank, was keen to include him in his team and why this transfer is a unique move for the North London club.
From 'Best Newcomer' to Potter Struggles
Kudus attracted significant interest from Premier League clubs in the summer of 2023 after delivering a series of impressive performances during Ajax's 2022-23 Champions League campaign.
Despite Ajax's elimination at the group stage, Kudus contributed six assists in as many appearances, including a remarkable goal against Liverpool at Anfield. His performances caught the attention of Chelsea, Arsenal, and Brighton, among others.
However, it was West Ham that secured his signature, and Kudus quickly rediscovered the form he displayed in his final year in the Netherlands. He scored eight goals and provided six assists in the league, marking an exceptional debut season under David Moyes.
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville named him the Premier League's best newcomer at the end of the season, and Kudus also won West Ham's Goal of the Season award for his stunning solo effort against Freiburg in the Europa League.
His second season with West Ham, however, was disappointing. Kudus struggled to adapt to Graham Potter's wing-back system after Potter replaced Julen Lopetegui in January 2024. His final-day goal against relegated Ipswich Town was one of only two under the former Brighton manager.
Often used as a striker by Potter, Kudus rarely played in his preferred position on the right wing, where West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen was already established.
For the second consecutive season in 2024-25, Kudus attempted the most dribbles in the Premier League, although his success rate fell from 55.9% to 47%.
His off-the-ball effectiveness also declined, with 148 successful possession recoveries compared to 298 in his debut season.
Kudus' most notable moment in his final year with the Hammers occurred during a 4-1 defeat to Spurs last October when he was sent off for an altercation with defender Micky van de Ven and midfielder Pape Sarr. He later expressed deep embarrassment over his actions, which led to a five-match suspension.
'He Can Be a Game-Changer'
"Kudus can enhance Spurs' attacking threat, whether from the right flank, cutting inside, or in a more central role," says former West Ham assistant Edu Rubio.
"He is highly versatile and, like Bryan Mbuemo, who became an important player for Thomas Frank at Brentford, Kudus can contribute goals, pace, and work-rate in high-press situations.
"Kudus brings an aggressive high-press style, excelling at closing down opponents. He is rapid, intense, and effective. He can also add goals to the squad.
"He has the potential to be a game-changer. Consistency at the top level is key. He fits well into Thomas' 4-3-3 and 3-5-2 formations, aligning with the manager's preference for quick and direct attacks. Under Frank, Kudus can reach his potential and achieve consistency.
"He may need to improve his decision-making while in possession, especially in central positions where he is more exposed and prone to losing possession.
"Overall, Kudus can bring goals, off-the-ball work-rate, uniqueness, and character to the squad. He is an exciting player."
Hitting Form in Amsterdam After Injury-Hit Start
Kudus is perhaps the most notable graduate of Ghana's Right To Dream academy, founded in 1999 by Manchester United's former head scout in Africa, Tom Vernon.
The academy, which acquired Danish top-flight side FC Nordsjaelland in 2015, also boasts former Southampton winger Kamaldeen Sulemana among its alumni.
Kudus, who joined Right To Dream at 12, idolized former Bayern Munich and Liverpool midfielder Sadio Mane as a young player, telling West Ham's official website in 2019, "I admire players who entertain fans and aim to score."
"I understand the stakes, but it's a sport, and it's entertainment, so I like players who excite the fans."
One of three Right To Dream prospects to join Nordsjaelland in 2018, Kudus made his senior debut just three days after his 18th birthday.
His first goal against Brondby in March 2019, a precise finish at the near post after initiating the move by chasing down a long ball, was a sign of his potential.
After scoring nine goals in 21 league appearances the following season, he moved to Ajax. However, knee and rib injuries limited him to 33 league appearances and five goals between 2020-21 and 2021-22.
He began the subsequent campaign with a point to prove, delivering 25 goal involvements in 42 appearances across all competitions, convincing West Ham to invest £38 million in his services.
Despite a lackluster second season at London Stadium, new Spurs manager Frank sees the 24-year-old as a valuable addition to an attack that scored 64 league goals last season.
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