New West Ham signing Mohammed Kudus says he chose to join West Ham this summer as he felt the club's project matched his ambitions as a player.
The 23-year-old midfielder signed from Ajax in a deal worth at least £38million, joining former midfield teammate Edson Alvarez who also switched Amsterdam for east London this summer.
Kudus' final appearance for Ajax saw him score a hat-trick in the club's Europa League play-off win over Ludogrets in Bulgaria on Thursday. He leaves the Dutch outfit having scored 27 times in 87 appearances, helping them to two Eredivise titles during three seasons.
“I've been dreaming to play in a league like this since I was a kid," Kudus said after his unveiling as a West Ham player. "So I’m just taking each day by itself and following my a dream and I’m here today. It doesn't stop here, as we keep writing history and keep going.”
Asked to describe his style of play for those that have not seen him before, Kudus said: “I like to entertain the fans as I think that is what football is about, and my dribbling ability, strength and finishing also. I’m just here to do my best to help the team. The fans should expect some entertainment!”
There was interest in Kudus from other Premier League sides, not least Brighton & Hove Albion, who were believed to have reached an agreement with Ajax for the midfielder but were unable to finalise personal terms.
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West Ham's technical director Tim Steidten travelled to Amsterdam for talks with Kudus meanwhile, with the midfielder sold on the idea of a move to the London Stadium thereafter.
“The project he presented to me was developing the club to the best possible level they can so he wants to sign new young talents, play good football, and that's fits with my ambition and goal as a player," added the Ghanaian.
"I want to play in the Premier League, but I also want to play at club that I know I can develop. I just loved the project that was presented to me, and I think it fits well with my ambition and where I'm heading to.”
Kudus is the fourth arrival of the summer for West Ham, who also signed midfielder James Ward-Prowse from Southampton, defender Konstantinos Mavropanos from Stuttgart and Alvarez from Ajax.
