Ghanaian forward Mohammed Kudus finds himself at the center of a transfer tug-of-war as reports indicate a significant disparity in his release clause for Saudi Arabian clubs compared to European teams. According to renowned football journalist Florian Plettenberg, clubs in Saudi Arabia will have to pay a higher fee than the £85 million required for European suitors.

Kudus, currently playing for West Ham United, has endured a challenging season, registering just three goals and one assist in 24 Premier League appearances. His struggles have been compounded by disciplinary issues, having missed five matches due to a suspension following an altercation with Tottenham Hotspur players Micky van de Ven and Pape Sarr in a heated 4-1 defeat last November.

Despite his underwhelming form, Kudus remains a sought-after talent. Transfermarkt currently values him at €50 million, but his market value is evidently much higher in the eyes of potential buyers. The Saudi Pro League has continued its aggressive pursuit of top-tier European talent, and Kudus’ name has surfaced on their radar. However, no official bids have been lodged yet.

Sky Germany’s Graeme Bailey reports that Premier League giants Liverpool, Arsenal, and Tottenham Hotspur have been closely monitoring Kudus. However, they are hesitant to meet West Ham’s steep asking price. The financial muscle of the Saudi clubs means they could potentially outbid their European counterparts, but the undisclosed higher release clause may prove to be a stumbling block.

For West Ham, this scenario presents both an opportunity and a dilemma. While they may be able to command a massive fee from Saudi Arabian interest, Kudus’ performances have not yet justified such an astronomical price tag. The Hammers must now decide whether to hold onto the 23-year-old in hopes of a resurgence or capitalize on the growing interest and cash in while his stock remains relatively high.

With the summer transfer window approaching, the fate of Kudus remains uncertain. Will a European powerhouse take the financial plunge, or will Saudi clubs find a way to navigate the elevated release clause? One thing is clear—the race for Mohammed Kudus is heating up, and the coming months could determine the next chapter of his career.