West Ham have been able to cultivate some stellar talent in recent years, but none more talented than Mohammed Kudus.
The Ghanaian international broke onto the European scene with Ajax and attracted the attention of the aristocracy. However, it looked like typically shrewd Brighton were bound to land another gem after agreeing a deal with the Dutch club, before the Hammers, who entered negotiations with a bang on the back of their triumph in Conference League, to withdraw and secure the services of the Ghanaian. the new superstar.
Kudus was excellent in a transition-heavy side last season and has been limited to flashes due to a lengthy suspension under Julen Lopetegui this time around.
The 24-year-old has shown an ability to perform in a variety of roles at a very high level and the ease with which he has been flown to the Premier League means clubs remain on red alert. Reports of an £85m release clause have potential suitors considering their 2025 transfer plans, with interest in Kudus still rife.
Here's how 90 min ranks the Ghanaian's potential destinations based on suitability, club needs and the likelihood of the deal happening.
With the 2034 World Cup officially confirmed as Saudi Arabia's, expect the string-pullers in the Persian Gulf to start a bullish 2025 on the transfer front.
They've been able to attract an impressive array of European talent to their Pro League so far, but we've yet to see many stars who haven't made it past their prime opt for a Saudi adventure.
Kudus, given his talent, would be a major coup for the division. Al Ittihad were linked in the summer and the PIF-backed clubs certainly have the cash to activate the player's West Ham release clause.
However, the 24-year-old is certainly not ready for an exit from Europe just yet. Kudus will not be spoiled for options if he pushes for a move out of east London, with smarter career choices on the table.
The remaining clubs who have so far been linked with a move for Kudus are all very familiar with what the Ghanaian is capable of. Last season, St James' Park caught first-hand the brilliance of Kudus as the player scored West Ham the second in a 4-3 defeat for the Hammers.
A move to Tyneside would probably be somewhat of a lateral move for Kudus given Newcastle's issues over the last 18 months, but the Magpies are loaded with ambition and Kudus is the type of signing that would convince the likes of Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes to stay. in the club.
With Eddie Howe well stocked in his midfield engine room, Kudus is likely to occupy one of the wings. Newcastle are in desperate need of an upgrade down the right, and the addition of the Ghanaian would allow Howe to field an absolutely stock front line of Anthony Gordon, Isak and Kudus.
Gift.
Mohamed Salah remains an inescapable force on Liverpool's right, but he won't be around forever.
The Reds did brilliantly to sign Federico Chiesa in a summer deal, but the Italian's fitness problems raise the question of whether he can really be relied upon.
You can't replace Salah with a body, but Kudus would undoubtedly be a great addition to Arne Slot's Reds. The Ghanaian can either fill in on the wing or step into the limelight as the Dutchman's number 10 – providing what Dominik Szoboszlai lacks in finesse and technical mastery.
Liverpool ARE great admirers of Kudus and he appears to fit Michael Edwards' ideal, but the Reds will not broker an £85m deal in the January transfer window.
Man City need players. They would take anyone. Well, you'd have to be under the age of 30, ideally, and also pretty good at sports.
Kudus is both of these things.
The Cityzens' rebuild begins in January and it looks like the perennial Premier League champions will turn to the best their current domestic rivals boast as a means of speeding up their recovery.
Kudus is not a defensive machine, but he is very athletic and City have been sorely lacking in physicality this season. While Guardiola could push the Ghanaian out, Kudus would do major damage from the positions Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden usually operate.
The 24-year-old will need to change his profile somewhat to thrive under Guardiola, but there's no denying that Kudus offers plenty of what the champions are currently lacking. In addition to his athleticism and direct possession, Kudus is a distinct scoring threat. The Cityzens are in desperate need of a range of goalscorers given their poor form of late amid a barren run by Erling Haaland.
City will spend big next year and Kudus could be one of the building blocks for the next great iteration of Guardiola's side.
At times, Mikel Arteta's Arsenal are a difficult watch, but they remain an excellent side who are still capable of winning. Premier League title.
However, many are skeptical of their chances given their inconsistent attacking performances and reliance on Bukayo Saka. Arsenal have often looked unbalanced and one-dimensional this season, but Saka's scoring and set-pieces have kept them in a pretty good position.
Their current strikers are certainly not capable of propelling Arteta's side to the title. They need another one. As soon as news of Kudus' potential availability surfaced, Gooner's ears perked up. He could be the boy.
Kudus can operate from the left, but Arteta will need to change his dynamic to ensure the Ghanaian operates from the half-space as much as possible. He could also ditch Mikel Merino's duel for Kudus' guile and craft in Arsenal's midfield trio. Having Martin Odegaard and Kudus operating together would certainly take the Gunners' possession game to another level.
While a controlling look would be compromised, the addition of Kudus would offer Arsenal great balance and further diversify their attack. He is certainly a tempting option in January.