Latest developments
- Liverpool are now in the hunt to sign Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United.
- They join Arsenal in the race for the Ghanaian's signature.
- West Ham are holding firm on his £85 million release clause.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (4/5): Daily Mail journalist has good form
Mohammed Kudus has been one of the standout performers amid an underwhelming start to the season at West Ham, and now Liverpool in reviving their interst in taking him from the London Stadium to Anfield.
That is the word of Daily Mail journalist Sami Mokbel, who claimed in his column that the Reds have joined Arsenal in the race for the 24-year-old. Mokbel does not name his source, but is a reputable journalist on Premier League matters.
Value (2.5/5): West Ham will not be pushed around
Currently valued at €50 million on Transfermarkt, the Reds will have to pay nearly double that to bring him to Merseyside, as the Hammers are said to not be budging when it comes to Kudus' £85 million release clause on his contract that runs out in 2028.
A potential bidding war with the Gunners and maybe some other interested sides could increase the fee further.
Suitability (4/5): Versatility will be valued
A right-winger who can put a shift in on the left, up front or in the centre of midfield, there is no end to the ways Liverpool can utilise the former Ajax man. The top-of-the-table Reds might not need a quick fix in attack as urgently as the Gunners, but Kudus looks ready-made for Arne Slot's men.
Upgrade? (4/5): A vacancy on the right is opening up
Though Liverpool do not need to plug a gap in their attack in January, it looks like there will be boots to fill in the right-wing spot in the summer, given that Mohammed Salah seems to be on his way out.
With Federico Chiesa the only other right-sided forward at the club – with his future in England already in doubt – Liverpool need to get a replacement in soon.
Logic (4.5/5): Less competition at a club on the up
Not only have Liverpool kicked on under Slot, but the Gunners seem to have regressed in recent weeks. Arsenal could well find their form and Kudus could well be the man to help them do that, but at Anfield, there is a clear path for the Ghana man to play in his favoured position, while at Arsenal, it would take something extraordinary for him to displace Bukayo Saka.
Whisper+ verdict: 19/25
A much higher score on the Whisper+ verdict for a Liverpool move compared to what we gave the rumoured Arsenal move earlier this week. It might be a high price to pay, but the chance to replace one Mohammed with another seems better for Liverpool's squad depth and for Kudus himself.
