Liverpool discover target’s release clause after leaving ‘big impression’ on Arne Slot

Liverpool could add some huge names to their squad next season should they win the Premier League and have now been told how much they will have to pay for one of their targets

Liverpool will be forced to pay an eye-watering £85million should they wish to sign Mohammed Kudus. The West Ham star has long been linked with a move to Anfield.

The Reds’ interest stretches all the way back to Kudus’ time with former club Ajax, with ex-boss Jurgen Klopp thought to be a big fan. Despite the German having quit the club, Liverpool’s interest has not waned.

According to reports, new boss Arne Slot would also like to add the forward to his squad, after being left impressed by his performances this term. Speaking in December, the Dutchman said: “I think he’s a good player, that’s for sure. Everybody sees this.

“He can play multiple positions. I think he played here for Ajax against Liverpool as a nine as well. He’s a big threat for them.”

That praise continued at the weekend as the Reds’ beat West Ham 2-1. Slot added: “Kudus was almost uncontrollable,” while the Mail Online have suggested the Liverpool squad have also ‘raved’ about Kudus’ quality.

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Any move would not be cheap, with The Athletic suggesting that Kudus has an £85m release clause written into his contract with the Hammers. Kudus, 24, has scored 17 goals in 74 appearances for West Ham since signing from Ajax. He has just over three years remaining on his contract at the London Stadium.

Should Liverpool tempt Kudus to Anfield, he would be reunited with his former Ajax boss John Heitinga, who is a coach under Arne Slot. “I felt very good under Heitinga,” Kudus told Voetbal. “He is the best coach I have had at Ajax.

“Apart from the training aspect, I also hold him in high regard in terms of standards and values. Personally, I would have liked to have worked with him longer. He is a top trainer and I really appreciated his efforts to make the players better at the time.

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“When he took over for the rest of the season [at Ajax], he immediately showed impact. Things got better. When we saw each other again, there were things that connected us immediately. He tried to make me and all the other players better. I am very grateful to him for our time at West Ham.”

While Liverpool are interested in Kudus, their need for a new forward has eased over recent weeks with Mohamed Salah penning a new deal at Anfield. The Egyptian was previously out of contract this summer but has committed his future to the Reds until at least 2027.

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