Tottenham ‘identify £85m alternative’ after Bryan Mbeumo picks Man Utd transfer
Tottenham Eye West Ham Star Mohammed Kudus After Mbeumo Snub
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly turned their attention to West Ham United’s dynamic winger Mohammed Kudus as their top summer transfer target, following their unsuccessful pursuit of Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo, who appears destined for a move to Manchester United.
Spurs are embarking on an important summer of transition, having recently appointed former Brentford boss Thomas Frank to take the reins. The club is looking to strengthen key areas of the squad ahead of their return to Champions League football, a tournament they qualified for after a dramatic Europa League final win over Manchester United in May.
According to reports, Tottenham had submitted a substantial offer of £70 million in mid-June in an attempt to reunite Frank with Mbeumo, a player he coached and trusted during their six-year spell together at Brentford. However, the Cameroon international was only interested in joining Manchester United, and a move to Old Trafford is expected to be finalized before the new Premier League season kicks off.
With Mbeumo off the table, Tottenham have shifted their focus to Kudus, who enjoyed an impressive campaign for West Ham last season. The Ghanaian international has established himself as one of the standout performers in the Premier League since arriving from Ajax in 2023, contributing 19 goals and 13 assists in 80 appearances across all competitions for the Hammers.
Kudus, now 24 years old, has quickly become a fan favorite at the London Stadium due to his flair, creativity, and goal-scoring prowess. His current contract with West Ham runs until 2028, but crucially, it includes an £85 million release clause that becomes active during the first 10 days of July. Tottenham, however, are reportedly confident they can negotiate a lower fee and complete the deal outside of that window.
According to The Telegraph, there’s an added layer of complexity: an unofficial transfer embargo has long existed between Tottenham and West Ham, stemming from the controversial collapse of Emmanuel Adebayor’s move to the Hammers in 2015, which was blocked by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy. Despite the lingering tension, Tottenham are said to be willing to break that informal truce to secure Kudus, and West Ham may be open to selling as they look to raise funds for a squad rebuild under new manager Graham Potter.
West Ham’s willingness to consider bids for Kudus suggests they see an opportunity to reinvest in multiple positions. Potter has praised Kudus for his professionalism and dedication, saying during the latter stages of last season: “He’s been working hard since we’ve been here. We can see the talent and potential—it’s up to all of us, including him, to unlock even more.”
Kudus himself has kept his cards close to his chest when speaking about his future. In an interview with SportsBoom, he expressed his gratitude and motivation for playing in the Premier League: “There are ups and downs, but you still have to show up with a smile, work hard, and improve every single day. I really believe in my abilities—that’s something no one can take from me.” On what lies ahead, he simply added: “I’m just here to enjoy my football and help the team. The future will take care of itself.”
As Spurs push ahead with their summer recruitment drive, Kudus now sits firmly at the top of their wishlist. With Champions League football on the horizon and Thomas Frank eager to put his stamp on the squad, Tottenham are expected to make significant moves in the coming weeks—beginning with a determined push to bring Kudus across London.