Report: Spurs told to pay £65m after fresh transfer bid fails

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20 hours ago

Tottenham's Kudus Pursuit Hits a Wall as West Ham Stand Firm
Spurs Up the Ante for Kudus
Tottenham Hotspur are not giving up on their pursuit of Mohammed Kudus, with TBR Football reporting that the North London club have returned with a second bid after seeing their initial £50 million offer rejected by West Ham United.
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According to the report, Spurs have now proposed a package worth £55 million (£50m guaranteed plus £5m in add-ons), only to see that too knocked back. West Ham, who signed Kudus from Ajax for £38 million two years ago, are holding out for a fee that 'must at least start with a six.'
West Ham Standing Their Ground
TBR Football's update highlights the Hammers' firm position. 'West Ham United decided to reject the latest offer and are standing firm over their asking price, adamant that any accepted offer must at least start with a six,' reads the report.
The East London club are reportedly demanding around £65 million for Kudus – a figure they view as 'quite reasonable' given his £84 million release clause. It's also worth noting that Kudus is reportedly 'open' to making the switch across the capital, as per Fabrizio Romano.
Photo: IMAGO
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Despite West Ham's willingness to sell for the right price to fund their own transfer business, they are clearly not entertaining cut-price deals.
Spurs Running Out of Forward Options?
Tottenham have shifted focus to Kudus after cooling interest in Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze and walking away from a potential £70 million outlay for Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo. David Ornstein previously revealed Spurs baulked at that fee, which might suggest Kudus could soon fall into the same bracket of unaffordability.
With their club-record transfer fee sitting at £65 million for Dominic Solanke last summer, it appears Spurs are unwilling to surpass that threshold unless they believe the deal is justifiable from a long-term value perspective.
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What Next for Tottenham?
It remains to be seen whether Spurs will submit a third bid closer to West Ham's valuation or if they'll once again pivot to other targets. The North London side clearly see Kudus as a player capable of taking the team forward – his blend of athleticism, technical ability and versatility is well suited to Thomas Frank's system.
But with West Ham unwilling to compromise and Kudus under a long-term contract, Tottenham may be forced to either meet the demands or walk away.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
There's a real mix of admiration and frustration among Spurs fans reading this update. On one hand, Mohammed Kudus is exactly the kind of player that fits the project under Frank – explosive, versatile, and still only 24. His performances for West Ham were electric at times, and fans recognise his ceiling is far from reached.
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But there's also a sense that this could be another classic Tottenham story – showing strong interest, making offers that fall short, and eventually watching a talent go elsewhere. If Spurs walked away from Antoine Semenyo at £70m, and are now hesitating over a £65m-rated Kudus, it begs the question: what is the plan?
Supporters appreciate not overspending, especially given the financial landscape and FFP pressures, but there's growing concern that the club is unwilling to go that extra mile to secure top targets. And with Kudus reportedly open to the move, this might be the best time to strike. The longer this drags, the more likely other suitors – potentially with deeper pockets – could enter the race.
There's also an understanding that West Ham are not being entirely unreasonable. Kudus has a high release clause, he's on a long-term contract, and he's one of their best assets. If Spurs are serious, £65m isn't outlandish in today's market. The ball is firmly in Daniel Levy's court.