Ajax attacker Mohammed Kudus has revealed he was 'really close' to signing for Everton during the summer transfer window.
The 22-year-old, who is also comfortable operating in midfield, ending up staying at his current employers despite interest from elsewhere and has proven his quality since taking the decision to stay loyal. Kudus has reached double figures for goals this season after 21 matches played, in addition to registering two assists.
Everton were linked with a £15million move for the Ghana international, whose transfer value is likely to have skyrocketed as a result of his eye-catching displays, which have continued at the World Cup. Kudus scored twice this afternoon as Ghana won a thrilling Group H encounter with South Korea 3-2.
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Addressing the speculation surrounding his future during the summer and how a move to Goodison Park so nearly occurred, Kudus told Star Connect on Joy TV: “I was really close to joining Everton. I thought it was a good project for me and I felt I should try it. It wasn’t like this season was my first (at Ajax), it was my third. So if I’m not getting the progress I’m looking for, then why not try something else?
“I spoke to Lampard,” added the talented youngster. “I had a chat with him to find out the project they had for me, what he thought about me and how he saw me as a player, because definitely that would be the green light for me to decide whether I wanted to move. Without the coach, there is nothing.”
Out of contract in 2025, Ajax are expected to receive a sizeable fee for the services of their prized asset should clubs come calling in January or at the end of the current campaign. Key to Kudus remaining at Ajax was manager Alfred Schreuder, who explained his role in the transfer saga to Voetbal International last month: “During the period that Everton wanted him,” said Schreuder. "[But] I also told him: You are still going to be very important to us. That has come true.”
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