Mohammed Kudus has made an impressive start to his Tottenham career, and a recent report will only endear the Ghanaian to Spurs supporters more.
Kudus became the first player to move from West Ham to the Lilywhites for 14 years in the summer, having endured an up-and-down two years with the London Stadium. The ball-carrying supremo was majestic during his debut campaign, but seldom manifested a content figure in his second year.
As a result, there were factions of the Hammers fan base okay with letting him go ahead of the 2025/25 season, although few were happy when Spurs were revealed as Kudus' next destination. The Ghanaian returns to his former stomping ground for the first time on Saturday evening, with Thomas Frank's side in search of a return to winning ways after the September international break.
Report outlines how Tottenham's pursuit of Mohammed Kudus played out
Frank, who's set to hand Premier League debuts to Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani, was asked about the frosty reception Kudus is likely to receive, to which he replied: “You don't think they will applaud him? Maybe not.
"I'm pretty sure players and myself hear the extra noise, but then you get into your zone. I'm sure it will be the same for Kudus and anyone in a hostile atmosphere.”
The 25-year-old has immediately established himself as a key figure in Frank's side, having benefitted from enjoying a full pre-season off the back of his £55m arrival in June. However, entering the summer window, it looked like Spurs' bitter London rivals, Chelsea, were poised to secure his services.
According to The Athletic, Kudus had agreed to personal terms with the Blues, but West Ham rejected their offer of £40m plus Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Chelsea were never able to reach an agreement, which allowed the north Londoners to pounce, much to Kudus' surprise.
While West Ham were willing to accept Spurs' £55m proposal, we reportedly wanted assurances from the player that he'd prioritise us if Chelsea came back in for him. The hierarchy has been scarred by previous Blues hijackings, and they weren't going to let Kudus slip away this summer.
The Ghanaian gave Spurs his word and eventually signed with the Lilywhites. He might not ’hate’ Chelsea to the extent that it's worth a chant, but Kudus' decision may well represent a shift in Tottenham's standing. He was the first of four Champions League-level performers who were keen to be a part of Frank's project.