This season, the Ajax dynamo has been in top form for both club and country…
After clinching the top four, Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe will be looking to reinforce his squad with firepower and Champions League experience, and Mohammed Kudus might be the ideal addition.
Newcastle, along with divisional rivals Arsenal and Manchester United, have pinpointed Ajax attacker Kudus following recent reports about his availability this summer, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
The Ghanaian World Cup star is under contract with the Johann Cruyff Arena until 2025, but he rejected his club’s proposal for a contract extension, reigniting speculation that a deal may be reached.
The 22-year-old, valued at £40 million, would be an inexpensive choice with proven pedigree on the greatest stage for both club and country, giving energy and cutting edge that can only help to strengthen the thriving crop at St. James’s Park.
According to the aforementioned source, Kudus may not be the first option pick for the ambitious Premier League outfits, but this may play into the hands of Magpies technical director Dan Ashworth as he maps a course for success at the recruitment table.
This season, the prolific gem has plundered 18 goals and six assists from 41 appearances for Ajax, starting only 28 times; in the Champions League, Kudus has struck four goals and supplied two assists, earning him the moniker “monster” from journalist Muftawa Nabila Abdulai.
With seven goals for his country, including two at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the 21-year-old Ghanaian would be an excellent addition to Newcastle’s squad, with one tactical report highlighting his incredible versatility, with the ace flourishing in a deeper midfield role, the false-nine position, and as an inverted forward out on the right flank.
According to FBref, the “electric” phenom – lauded by talent scout Jacek Kulig – ranks among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Men’s Next 8 divisions – the leagues beneath the top European five – for rate of non-penalty goals, the top 1% for pass completion, the top 1% for successful take-ons, and the top 3% for touches in the attacking box.
He’d be the ideal substitute for Newcastle’s Allan Saint-Maximin, who has quick feet but lacks effectiveness in front of goal.
Despite his side’s spectacular and resurgent success, Saint-Maximin has only scored once in the top level this season from 30 games, and he has failed to reach the five-goal mark in all four of his seasons on Tyneside.
With Kudus’ versatility and ‘electric’ presence on the ball, as well as a natural aptitude for sniffing out goals in plenty, gaining his services could come at a fortuitous moment for Howe and co, who could do with a player with Champions League success.
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