Tottenham get quick response after SECOND Kudus bid sent to West Ham

Tottenham Face Uphill Battle for Mohammed Kudus as West Ham Stand Firm on Valuation

West Ham United reportedly believe they are being “quite reasonable” in their stance regarding Mohammed Kudus amid growing interest from London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Despite turning down two significant bids from Spurs, the Hammers are standing firm on their valuation of the Ghanaian attacker, according to fresh reports.

Tottenham have shifted their transfer focus to Kudus after stepping away from deals for Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo. The North London club deemed Palace’s demands too steep and were unwilling to meet Bournemouth’s eye-watering £70 million price tag for Semenyo. With options narrowing, Spurs have zeroed in on Kudus, whom they see as a dynamic attacking talent capable of flourishing further under Ange Postecoglou.

Kudus arrived at the London Stadium from Ajax in 2023 for a fee believed to be around £38 million, excluding add-ons. Since his move to the Premier League, the 24-year-old has impressed with his flair, versatility, and ability to produce moments of brilliance—traits Tottenham view as vital to elevate their attacking options.

West Ham’s position on Kudus is complicated. While the club are reluctant to lose a player of his calibre, financial considerations and squad-building plans have forced them to at least entertain serious offers. As reported by The Telegraph, the Hammers may be open to parting ways with Kudus to raise funds for their own recruitment drive. This was followed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirming that Kudus himself is not opposed to a move across the capital, opening the door for Spurs to intensify negotiations.

Tottenham made their first official bid for Kudus in June, offering £50 million. However, that proposal was swiftly dismissed by West Ham, who are holding out for a much higher fee. Not deterred, Spurs returned with a second offer worth a total of £55 million—comprising £50 million upfront and an additional £5 million in performance-based add-ons. But according to TBR Football, West Ham have rejected this improved offer as well.

The Hammers are reportedly demanding a minimum bid that “starts with a six,” with £65 million believed to be the figure they’re targeting. Given that Kudus has an £84 million release clause written into his contract, West Ham believe their valuation is fair and not excessive, especially considering the rising transfer fees across Europe.

The question now is whether Tottenham will raise their offer again or pivot towards new targets. Having already balked at the £70 million Bournemouth wanted for Semenyo, it’s unclear if Spurs are willing to break the bank for Kudus either.

Tottenham’s current transfer record stands at the £65 million spent on striker Dominic Solanke last summer—£55 million upfront plus £10 million in add-ons to secure him from Bournemouth. Matching or surpassing that for Kudus would require a clear commitment from the Spurs board and alignment with their financial strategy under Daniel Levy.

Meanwhile, Tottenham are also dealing with a separate issue involving centre-back Cristian Romero. Reports from Spain, via AS, suggest Atlético Madrid are preparing a bid for the Argentine World Cup winner, believed to be worth €55 million plus €15 million in add-ons. Spurs, however, are said to value Romero at €70 million, and are in no rush to sell, especially given the leadership void he fills in the squad.

Romero has two years left on his current deal, and The Athletic’s Dan Kilpatrick has suggested that Tottenham are caught in a difficult situation. “It would be a bad message for Spurs to sell their World Cup-winning captain now,” Kilpatrick said. “He’s shown himself to be a winner and a leader—qualities this squad lacks. But with only two years left on his contract, Spurs run the risk of either losing him on a free later or being forced into a cut-price sale if they wait too long.”

He added that Spurs must consider any substantial offers this summer but acknowledged Romero’s crucial influence, especially following his impressive performances in the club’s Europa League campaign.

As it stands, Tottenham’s summer window is delicately poised. They are attempting to reinforce their squad for another push toward the top four while balancing the need for fiscal responsibility. Whether that includes meeting West Ham’s valuation for Kudus or fending off interest in Romero will become clearer as the window progresses.

For now, West Ham appear firm in their stance—believing their demands for Kudus are more than fair, and that the ball is firmly in Tottenham’s court.