Mohammed Kudus fuels Liverpool links with praise for new assistant coach

Liverpool are yet to make a move in this year’s summer transfer window. But with Richard Hughes' "busy August" fast approaching, one reported target has now seemingly opened the door to a move to Anfield.

It has been repeatedly suggested that Liverpool are in the market for a new forward. Despite head coach Arne Slot already having numerous attacking options, the Reds appear keen on adding one more, especially with doubts over the future of Colombian winger Luis Diaz.

Even prior to his excellent first season at the London Stadium, one player constantly linked as a possible target for the Reds has been West Ham forward Mohammed Kudus.

With an £85 million release clause in his contract, Kudus would require a substantial investment. However, as a rare, potentially elite left-footed forward, the Ghanaian could be worth the hefty price tag—especially with the need to sign a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah.

Kudus praises Heitinga influence

Interestingly, Kudus himself may have just opened the door for a potential move to Liverpool, having publicly expressed his admiration for new Liverpool assistant coach John Heitinga.

Speaking to Dutch outlet Voetbal Primeur, Kudus praised Heitinga, calling him one of the best coaches he has worked under.

Heitinga, a former Everton player, worked with Kudus during his stint as interim manager at Ajax and again at West Ham as part of David Moyes’ backroom team.

“I felt very good under Heitinga. He is the best trainer I have had at Ajax,” Kudus said.

“Apart from the training aspect, I also have a very high regard for him in terms of standards and values. Personally, I would have loved to work with him longer.”

An immediate connection

Kudus added, “He is a top trainer, and I really appreciated his efforts to make the players better at the time.

"When he [Heitinga] took over for the rest of the season [at Ajax], he made an immediate impact. It got better.

"When we met again [at West Ham], there were immediate things that connected us. He tried to make me and all the other players better. I am very grateful to him for our time at West Ham.”

While Kudus’ comments do not constitute a direct plea for a move, they indicate he would be open to reuniting with Heitinga at Liverpool and the Reds would likely face no trouble convincing the 23-year-old to join.

That said, whether Arne Slot and Richard Hughes decide to act on this remains to be seen.