Mohammed Kudus transfer: Spurs push with trophy bonuses

Mohammed Kudus transfer talks have taken another twist as Tottenham Hotspur attempt to lure the Ghanaian forward with an audacious incentive-laden offer that even includes bonuses for winning the Premier League and the Champions League.

Tottenham’s Trophy-Laden Proposal

Tottenham’s pursuit of the Ajax star has already generated headlines this summer, but their latest package stands out. Sources close to the negotiations say the north London club submitted a bid worth an initial £38 million, rising toward £45 million through performance add-ons. Those clauses hinge on silverware: if Spurs lift the Premier League or conquer Europe’s elite competition during Kudus’ contract, Ajax would receive sizeable extra payments. For a club desperate to end a 15-year trophy drought, the proposal underlines both ambition and confidence. The Mohammed Kudus transfer would also hand new head coach Ange Postecoglou a versatile attacker capable of operating on either wing, as a No. 10, or even up front.

Bonus Structure Could Break New Ground

While success-related clauses are hardly new, tying such large sums to the Premier League and Champions League is unusual. Spurs believe it keeps the guaranteed fee manageable while rewarding Ajax if Kudus becomes a catalyst for unprecedented triumphs in N17. It is, effectively, a statement that Tottenham intend to compete for top honours rather than settle for incremental progress.

How the Mohammed Kudus transfer fits Postecoglou’s plan

Postecoglou wants fluid front-foot football, and Kudus fits the blueprint. At Ajax last season, the 22-year-old completed more dribbles per 90 minutes than any Tottenham player and registered 18 goals across all competitions. His ability to carry the ball through midfield, press aggressively, and finish clinically could dovetail perfectly with Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski. Should Harry Kane remain, Kudus’ propensity to interchange positions would unlock additional space for the talismanic striker. If Kane departs, Kudus’ versatility offers a partial hedge against that massive void.

West Ham Tell Rivals to Get Real

Tottenham are not alone in chasing Kudus; Premier League neighbours West Ham United lodged an earlier bid believed to be £35 million plus add-ons. Ajax knocked it back, deeming the offer short of their valuation. In response, West Ham sources briefed that competing clubs “must get real” about the fee, pointing to the Eredivisie giants’ £43 million sale of Antony to Manchester United. Their stance remains that Kudus is worth at least £45 million up-front given three years left on his deal and his standout performances at the 2022 World Cup.

European Interest Keeps Ajax in Driving Seat

Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, and Brighton have all scouted Kudus this year. Borussia Dortmund admire him, too, viewing the Ghanaian as a replacement for any future big-money exit. That continental queue empowers Ajax to hold firm. Director of football Sven Mislintat will not sanction a sale unless the price reflects Kudus’ ceiling, especially after last season’s disappointing third-place finish left the Dutch giants hungry for funds to rebuild.

Financial Puzzle Surrounding the Mohammed Kudus transfer

Spurs must tread a careful line. They are balancing an aggressive recruitment drive—James Maddison, Guglielmo Vicario, and Manor Solomon have already arrived—against homegrown squad limits and potential Financial Fair Play pressures. A deal structured heavily in bonuses softens the immediate hit on the balance sheet, but only if Ajax accept. Mislintat reportedly prefers guaranteed money to reinvest quickly. For Tottenham, therefore, moving some bonus triggers into more realistic territory—Champions League qualification rather than outright victory—could bridge the gap.

What Does the Player Want?

Kudus is understood to be open to the Premier League and attracted by Postecoglou’s attacking philosophy. Tottenham can offer Europa Conference League football at worst this season, which, while not the Champions League platform he enjoys with Ajax, still grants a stage in England’s lucrative market. Personal terms are unlikely to be a stumbling block; Spurs have the wage capacity to match or exceed West Ham’s proposal. The decisive factor remains agreement between the clubs.

Timeline: Next Steps in the Mohammed Kudus transfer saga

Ajax begin their Eredivisie campaign in mid-August. Both Tottenham and West Ham aim to strike a deal before then to integrate the player during pre-season. Spurs have friendly matches against Real Madrid and Barcelona, fixtures that could double as showcases of the club’s ambition to Kudus’ camp. Should negotiations drag into late August, expect Ajax to raise the asking price, leveraging the Premier League’s deadline-day desperation.

Editor’s View: Spurs Must Back Their Ambition

If Tottenham believe the Mohammed Kudus transfer can transform their attack, they should move decisively. Bonuses tied to winning the Champions League may look good on a spreadsheet, yet Ajax know the odds. Converting part of those lofty add-ons into attainable milestones—top-four finishes, domestic cup success—would likely unlock the deal. For Spurs, the cost of hesitation may once again be watching a coveted talent excel elsewhere.