West Ham United sign Mohammed Kudus from Ajax

West Ham United have completed the signing of Mohammed Kudus from Ajax on a five-year deal.

The 23-year-old joins the Hammers for an undisclosed fee, thought to be worth up to £38.9m, and has put pen to paper on a long-term contract that will keep him at the club until 2028.

Kudus had been linked with the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion before West Ham emerged as front-runners for his signature earlier this month.

The Ghana international will wear the number 14 shirt and becomes West Ham's fourth major signing of the summer, following the arrivals of his former Ajax teammate Edson Alvarez, James Ward-Prowse and Konstantinos Mavropanos.

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

"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.

GH boy touched down in the East End 🇬🇭 pic.twitter.com/1UvMIc4XRW

— West Ham United (@WestHam) August 27, 2023

"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."

Manager David Moyes added: "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 deserve huge credit for getting this one over the line."

Kudus scored 19 goals and registered seven assists in all competitions for Ajax last season, and scored twice at the World Cup in Qatar last winter.

The new arrival could make his debut for the Europa Conference League winners when they face Luton Town on Friday night.

Moyes's side have made an unbeaten start to the new Premier League season, recording 3-1 wins over Brighton and Chelsea following an opening-day draw at Bournemouth.