Mohammed Kudus, Africa's First £100 Million Man
In 2023, Kudus signed for English Premier League side West Ham United for just under 40 million pounds. Money well spent since he soon impressed with some spectacular goals becoming a fast favorite of the West Ham fans. Not surprisingly, West Ham is having a hard time in trying to keep hold of their young Ghanaian superstar. Teams such as Arsenal, Liverpool, and other European giants are looking closely into the prospect of signing him when he becomes a free agent next year. As a result, West Ham has slapped a £100 Million-pound transfer fee on his head, and it would seem that many teams are willing to pay the price.
Ola George for YAME Digital
Mohammed Kudus
West Ham has slapped a £100 Million-pound transfer fee on his head
Over the years Africa has yielded many soccer superstars such as George Weah and Mohammed Salah. Ghana, in particular, has yielded stars such as Michael Essien, Tony Yeboa, and now West Ham United's Mohammed Kudus. Like many Ghanaian youngsters, Kudus came through Ghana's soccer youth academy and plied his trade for a while in Scandinavia. Blessed with amazing speed, dribbling skills, and a fearsome shot he soon attracted scouts from all over western Europe. The Ghanaian starlet signed for Ajax of Amsterdam and soon impressed with his incredible skills scoring a hatful of goals in the Dutch soccer league.
Ghana prodigy Mohammed Kudus scores his first goal for Ajax Amsterdam
In 2023, Kudus signed for English Premier League side West Ham United for just under 40 million pounds. Money well spent since he soon impressed with some spectacular goals becoming a fast favorite of the West Ham fans. Not surprisingly, West Ham is having a hard time in trying to keep hold of their young Ghanaian superstar. Teams such as Arsenal, Liverpool, and other European giants are looking closely into the prospect of signing him when he becomes a free agent next year. As a result, West Ham has slapped a £100 Million-pound transfer fee on his head, and it would seem that many teams are willing to pay the price.
Some of Kudus’ Best Moments, Goals, Assists, and Skills
Recently Kudus has been dissatisfied with the club's managerial direction becoming so frustrated that he received a red card after getting into a brawl during a London Derby with Spurs and was suspended for several matches. He has returned to the first team in recent weeks and is still trying to work his way back into the sparkling form that attracted so many admirers last year. Ghana has struggled lately in the African Nations Cup qualifiers, and it would seem that the pressure of being the main man has impacted Kudus' form. There is no doubt that he will rebound. So, look for more to come from this unique talent.
Ola George for YAME Digital
Soccer: Killing The Golden Goose?
Soccer is the world's number one sport. Fans flock from all over the world to watch in big cities and in small villages to see their heroes in action. Influential players such as Pele, Maradona, Renaldo, and Messi have thrilled us. True fans live and die with their team's experiences in both victory and defeat. Many fans have become disenchanted with the state of the game. Astronomical costs for tickets and merchandise have skyrocketed over the years. This pricing has left many ordinary fans unable to attend games or even offer support by purchasing a team shirt. The European governing body (UEFA) has been even less conspicuous in the big money grab.
Ola George for YAME Digital
After a goal is scored, fans wait anxiously for the VAR to confirm the referee's on-field decision before celebrating a goal.
The European governing body (UEFA) has been even less conspicuous in the big money grab.
Soccer is the world's number one sport. Fans flock from all over the world to watch in big cities and in small villages to see their heroes in action. Influential players such as Pele, Maradona, Renaldo, and Messi have thrilled us over the years. True fans live and die with their team's experiences in both victory and defeat. Many fans have become disenchanted with the state of the game. Astronomical costs for tickets and merchandise have skyrocketed over the years. This pricing has left many ordinary fans unable to attend games or even offer support by purchasing a team shirt.
var (video assistant referee)
On the field, the introduction of the Video Assisted Referee (VRE) has left many fans and players disgruntled with absurd decisions and onerous changes to the offside law, and constant tinkering with the rules has left many frustrated that the game is being strangled from within. The VAR decisions have slowed the game to a crawl. After a goal is scored, fans wait anxiously for the VAR to confirm the referee's on-field decision before celebrating a goal. FIFA, the governing body of world soccer, has suffered scandals over the last few years with many top executives being caught up in the maelstrom of corruption. The soccer body has now given the USA the bloated World Cup with more teams being invited to the big show which means the quality of games would be diluted. Does anybody want to see Zimbabwe hammered by one of the top European or South American teams?
The European governing body (UEFA) has been even less conspicuous in the big money grab. We now have the bloated Champions League with even more teams vying for a piece of the pie. I remember a time when the European Cup, as it was then called, was only for the champions of their respective leagues. However, today the teams that finished in third or fourth position now qualify for the Champions League once again. After the failed attempt of the European Super League teams such as Arsenal, Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Barcelona are seen as trying to manipulate their way into forming a "closed shop" where only the big boys can play and profit.
Soccer players are also feeling the pressure and the squeeze of fixture congestion. Recently Manchester City midfielder Roderi complained about fixture congestion and fatigue and was widely criticized for being a whiner. The joke was about Roderi because he recently suffered a season-ending knee injury which highlights that his fears were right on target. The soccer powers that be need to treat fans with more respect. Many fans grumble that the game as they know it is gone due to greed. Those at the helm would do well to take heed before they kill the golden goose.
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