Everton must go all out to sign a World Cup star, despite his fine displays on the biggest stage attracting attention…
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Pete O’Rourke has hinted that a deal for Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus might be difficult to conclude for Kevin Thelwell with there likely now being interest from bigger clubs.
Having failed in a summer bid for the Ghanaian, his displays in Qatar suggested that he may have outgrown Goodison Park. The midfielder recently claimed: “I was really close to joining Everton. I thought it was a good project for me and I felt I should try it.”
Now, speaking to Football FanCast, O’Rourke has issued the following claim: “Yeah there’s obviously been contact between the player and Everton previously when he nearly joined them in the summer.
“But I think right now, the form that Kudus has shown for Ajax this season and also for Ghana at the World Cup means he’s probably come to the attention of even bigger clubs.”
Lampard’s own Bellingham
Whilst Jude Bellingham might steal the headlines for his displays in the World Cup, it seems that the early tournament form of Kudus has already been somewhat forgotten with he another youngster to have dominated defenders in the Middle East.
The “special” 22-year-old – as dubbed by Owuraku Ampofo – boasted an outstanding 7.70 average rating across the tournament which he would score twice.
He was at the heart of all things good that Ghana managed, as he showcased his incredible all-around ability to the world.
Whilst recording 3.3 dribbles per game at a success rate of 71%, he was also averaging 1.7 tackles as he won possession 1.7 times per game (via Sofascore).
This is arguably an improvement on the performances of England’s star youngster, who has been touted at a £216m rating by CIES Football Observatory.
The 19-year-old could only manage a 7.34 average rating, with one goal and a 46% dribble success rate. To his credit, he did average a 90% pass accuracy and 3.2 tackles per game (via Sofascore).
Having nearly moved to Merseyside for £15m, it seems Kudus is now set to cost almost double, with enquiries at the end of November being touted at a £30m fee.
That is not a value plucked purely from his international displays, as he already has ten goals and two assists for Ajax this campaign.
For a fraction of the price, Frank Lampard could secure his own midfield maestro with the technical ability to spring attacks and surge forward at will, just like the aforementioned Dortmund sensation.
Whilst his rivals might end up with Bellingham, he can remain unbothered should he secure Kudus.