Opinion: Sullivan Needs to Intervene and Address the Issues with Discontented £90k-a-Week West Ham Star

Mohammed Kudus: The West Ham Dilemma

Signed from Ajax in the summer of 2023 for £38 million, Mohammed Kudus has shown flashes of brilliance for West Ham but has struggled to consistently deliver on his immense potential.

His performances have caught the attention of Arsenal, sparking rumors of a possible January move to The Emirates.

Earning £90,000 per week (Spotrac), Kudus hasn’t quite lived up to expectations this season.

With just three goals and two assists in 15 games, his output falls short for a player of his caliber.

At 24, Kudus possesses exceptional pace, power, and technical ability, qualities that make him more than capable of contributing 15 goals and 10 assists per Premier League season.

What’s Holding Kudus Back?

The Ghanaian international has seemed out of sorts, often playing with his shoulders slumped and lacking the energy and confidence that define his best performances.

West Ham’s attacking threat diminishes significantly when Kudus is off form.

A key issue appears to be his dissatisfaction with his current situation at the club.

His relationship with manager Julen Lopetegui has reportedly soured, and his preferred position—central attacking midfield—is not where he’s being utilized.

Deployed out wide on the left, Kudus has struggled to influence games and appears disengaged, making him far easier for defenders to contain.

Possible Solutions

West Ham must act decisively to address the Kudus situation. Here are three potential approaches:

1. Managerial Change

The first option is parting ways with Julen Lopetegui. The strained relationship between Kudus and the manager is impacting his form. A new coach might rejuvenate the player and restore his confidence.

2. Play Him in His Best Position

Another solution is to play Kudus in his preferred role as a central attacking midfielder.

He has consistently stated that he feels most comfortable and effective in the number 10 role.

When positioned centrally, Kudus can dictate play and exploit his strengths, rather than being marginalized on the left wing.

3. Sell Kudus in January

The least desirable option is selling Kudus during the January transfer window.

His talent and potential ensure he would command a significant fee, possibly allowing West Ham to reinvest in players better aligned with the manager’s vision.

However, this would also mean losing a player capable of becoming a top-tier Premier League star

The Path Forward

Kudus remains a player with incredible potential, but his current situation at West Ham is unsustainable.

Whether it involves a managerial change, a positional adjustment, or a transfer, decisive action is necessary.

Club chairman David Sullivan must step in to resolve the issue and ensure the club makes the most of its talented but unsettled star.