West Ham’s Kudus makes Saudi Pro-League decision

Lucas Paquetá’s traumatic wait for a verdict from the FA hearing over the yellow cards for bets allegations goes on. And on. Until it is resolved, West Hams £50 million player cannot make decisions about his own future with his whole career hanging in the balance. It also means West Ham cannot make plans for keeping him, loaning or selling this summer to fund the rebuild.

So the focus is on Mohammed Kudus as the Hammers’ most sellable asset: The Ghanaian enjoyed something of a recovery in his form at the end of the season which can only help his marketability.

Kudus wants to remain in the public eye, apparently, and not disappear into ‘Saudi football Siberia’. Footballinsider247.com today suggest that their ‘source’ states that:

“A number of Saudi Pro League clubs are monitoring Kudus’ situation – but sources say the player is not interested in making that move at this stage of his career…The Ghana international would prefer to remain in Europe and continue playing at the highest level possible.”

The proof of the pudding will be in the eating, as they say, and if a multi-million offer comes in I suspect West Ham’s Chairman will grab it – wherever it comes from. Be that from Newcastle, Arsenal or Liverpool as rumoured – or further afield. If it is a Saudi bid then Kudus will be torn: The mega million deals for the likes of Jhon Duran have been enough to see him abandon the Premier League.

Kudus’ international place in the Ghana squad will never be contingent on remaining in the public eye – so leaving for Saudi wouldn’t harm his international future in the way it has some European exports who’ve suddenly dropped off their countries’ radar. Unlikely that the biggest offer will come from the Premier League so there could be a rocky ride ahead.

Lucas Paquetá denies all of the allegations against him.