Breaking News: Brighton reach agreement in principle with Ajax to sign Mohammed Kudus

Brighton & Hove Albion, a Premier League team, has taken a significant step toward securing the services of attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus from Ajax.

Pending the finalization of the agreement, the prospective fee stands at approximately €40 million. This potential transfer fee would establish a new club record, surpassing the recent acquisition of Joao Pedro for just under £30 million during the current summer transfer window.

Ghanaian international Kudus is in the final stages of negotiating personal terms with the Premier League club, a development spurred by the keen interest of Brighton’s head coach, Roberto De Zerbi, who regards Kudus as a crucial target.

However, another Premier League contender, Chelsea, entered into discussions with Ajax to express their own interest in Kudus during the previous weekend.

Kudus is currently under contract with Ajax until 2025. In April, he declined a one-year contract extension, expressing his desire to depart from the Johan Cruyff Arena.

Having spent three seasons in Amsterdam since his move from Danish club FC Nordsjaelland, the 22-year-old has showcased his talents, registering 16 goals in 63 Eredivisie matches. On the international stage, he has contributed seven goals in 24 appearances for Ghana, including a pair of goals at the 2022 World Cup during the team’s 3-2 victory over South Korea in the group stage.

Kudus has exhibited his versatility on the field, playing in a variety of positions since his Dutch football debut. His roles have ranged from a deep-lying No 6 to an out-and-out center-forward. Most notably, he has frequently operated on the right-wing, utilizing his skills to challenge full-backs.