West Ham complete signing of Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus - 'I’ve been dreaming of this moment'

West Ham have confirmed the signing of Ajax attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus.

Earlier this month it had seemed the Ghana international was on the verge of joining Roberto De Zerbi's Brighton, but the 23-year-old has now put pen to paper on a five-year deal with the Hammers worth a reported £38 million plus add-ons.

He becomes David Moyes' fourth signing of the summer transfer window as the Hammers boss looks to make up for the loss of Declan Rice to Arsenal.

Kudus joins Konstantinos Mavropanos, James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez in heading to the London Stadium this summer.

Kudus told the club's official website: "I’ve been dreaming to play in a league like this since I was a kid.

"I’ve been dreaming of this moment and I’m so happy to be here. But it doesn’t stop here, I want to keep going.

"I try my best to entertain the fans as I think that’s what football is all about. I’m just here to do my best and help the team. I’m really happy to be here. I will fight for the badge. I can’t wait to get started.”

Of his new man, Moyes said: "I’m delighted we’ve been able to bring Mohammed to West Ham United.

"He’s a terrific young talent, who has already shone at the very highest level for Ajax in the Champions League and made well over 150 senior appearances at the age of 23 – so it was no surprise to see so many top clubs chasing his signature this summer.

"The fact we’ve been able to attract a player of his undoubted quality to London Stadium shows the pull West Ham have now – the Board and Tim [Steidten, sporting director] deserve huge credit for getting this one over the line.”

Kudus made his international debut in 2019 and has 24 caps, scoring seven goals so far for his country. He started his career with the Right to Dream Academy in Ghana, before switching to Danish side Nordsjaelland in 2018 ahead of his 2020 move to Ajax.

He won the 2020/21 and 2021/22 Eredivisie titles under now Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, scoring 18 goals in 42 appearances.

The Ghanaian scored a hat-trick in the first leg of last Thursday's Europa League play-off against Bulgarian side Ludogorets in what has turned out to be his final game for the Dutch champions.

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