Mohammed Kudus Breaks Silence Ahead of Tottenham Premier League Return to West Ham
- Mohammed Kudus faces one of the fiercest receptions of his Premier League career as he returns to West Ham with Tottenham
- Kudus remains unfazed, treating the clash with his former club as just another match, despite the tension and hostile atmosphere expected
- West Ham manager Graham Potter has avoided making Mohammed Kudus the centre of attention
Mohammed Kudus is preparing for one of the most hostile receptions of his Premier League career as he gears up to face former club West Ham United with Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, September 13 at London Stadium.
The Ghana international swapped east London for north London in a controversial £54.5 million transfer last summer, a move that infuriated Hammers supporters.
Source: Getty Images
His decision to publicly declare that he had “only ever wanted Spurs” has left scars among the West Ham faithful, who now brand him “Judus” in a bitter play on his name.
Kudus' Spurs move, sore point for Hammers
The 24-year-old attacker was a key figure for West Ham during his short stay, producing memorable performances in both the Premier League and Europe, including a dazzling solo strike against Freiburg in the Europa League.
Yet, the transfer saga that followed – with Mohammed Kudus allegedly arriving late to training sessions as rumours of Tottenham’s interest grew – soured his relationship with the fanbase.
For many West Ham supporters, selling a star player to a hated rival was unthinkable, and resentment still lingers. As such, the London Stadium is expected to be unforgiving when Kudus steps onto the pitch in Tottenham colours.
Journalist reveals Kudus’ private view on West Ham
Despite the tension, Kudus himself appears unfazed. As cited by Hammers News, journalist Vaishali Bhardwaj revealed in a conversation ahead of the international break that the Ghanaian downplayed the significance of facing his former club.
Bhardwaj explained that when asked about the West Ham fixture, Kudus played down its importance, treating it as nothing more than a routine match.
That blunt admission suggests the Accra Nima-born footballer does not view West Ham with any lasting attachment, despite the role the club played in launching his Premier League career.
Speaking to YEN.com.gh, Ghanaian football expert Precious Semevor, commented:
“Mohammed Kudus has shown he can handle pressure at club level, and his ability to treat the West Ham clash as just another game shows maturity beyond his years. Tottenham can benefit hugely if he stays composed in that hostile atmosphere.”
Source: Getty Images
Thomas Frank expects fiery atmosphere
Meanwhile, according to Hammers News, Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank acknowledged the heightened emotions surrounding Kudus’ return.
“He’s probably aware of the extra noise,” Frank said ahead of the clash.
When asked if the West Ham fans might applaud their former star, he responded with a wry smile:
“You don’t think they’ll applaud him?”
Per London World, West Ham manager Graham Potter, however, avoided making Kudus the centre of attention, refusing to be drawn into commentary about the Ghanaian.
The transfer of Mohammed Kudus has only added more spice to an already heated London derby. Moves between West Ham and Spurs have been rare in recent years, with tensions between the clubs’ fanbases as fierce as ever.
Kudus' main weaknesses
Earlier, YEN.com.gh analysed two key flaws in Mohammed Kudus’s game despite his bright start in his first four outings for Tottenham Hotspur.
The ex-Ajax star has contributed two assists in his opening four matches, but he still has a long way to go to cement his place as a Spurs standout.
Source: YEN.com.gh
