Ajax starlet Mohammed Kudus has claimed that he rejected a transfer to Everton last summer. The Toffees were strongly linked with the Ghana international ahead of this season, with Frank Lampard determined to improve his attacking options.
Kudus has revealed that he spoke with Lampard during the summer but a move did not materialise. The 22-year-old was attracted by Everton’s project and admits that the deal nearly happened.
“I was really close to joining Everton. I thought it was a good project for me and I felt I should try it,” Kudus told Star Connect ahead of Ghana’s opening World Cup clash with Portugal this week.
“It wasn’t like this season was my first (at Ajax), it was my third. So if I’m not getting the progress I’m looking for then why not try something else?
Mohammed Kudus spoke with Frank Lampard over an Everton transfer (Image: GETTY IMAGES)
“I spoke to Lampard. I had a chat with him to find out the project they had for me, what he thought about me and how he saw me as a player, because definitely that would be the green light for me to decide whether I wanted to move. Without the coach, there is nothing.”
Everton’s Premier League rivals Tottenham have since been linked with Kudus, who has enjoyed a superb season with Ajax. He has been converted from a midfield position and now often plays as a centre-forward.
Kudus has scored 10 goals in 21 appearances across all competitions this season, fuelling speculation of a move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs. According to Italian publication Corriere dello Sport, Spurs’ managing director of football, Fabio Paratici, is interested in signing the former Nordsjaelland player.
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Tottenham and Everton have been linked with Mohammed Kudus (Image: GETTY IMAGES)
The Ajax ace’s versatility would make him the ideal signing for Spurs boss Antonio Conte. He can play in midfield and across the front line.
Spurs are set to be active in January despite spending over £100million in the summer on several additions. Conte’s side have struggled with inconsistency in the opening months of the Premier League season.
After last weekend’s 4-3 win over Leeds, Conte suggested that Spurs will dip into the January market to keep improving his squad.
The Italian said: “You know very well that if you want to be competitive and if you want to be really considered a title contender, or considered a team to win a trophy, you need players with great quality. You see the example of Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea and these teams are really strong. Strong squad with a great quality.”
