Micky van de Ven is already very familiar with Tottenham transfer target Mohammed Kudus after an altercation between the two during the 4-1 win over West Ham back in October.
With Thomas Frank now at the helm, Spurs have started formalising pursuits of their summer targets. With moves for Bryan Mbeumo, Antoine Semenyo and Eberechi Eze no longer being pursued for a number of reasons, focus is now firmly on Kudus.
In comparison to the three names above, Kudus struggled to contribute in the attacking third with just five goals scored and three assists picked up during the 2024/25 Premier League season.
One of those goals came against Spurs, but he was later shown a straight red card following a VAR review, which showed, after kicking Van de Ven while he was on the ground, he also pushed his hands into the face of the Dutchman.
Unsurprisingly, Van de Ven was far from pleased at his actions at the time and during a press conference just a few days later, he offered a clear verdict on the incident which actually saw both clubs fined.
“I had a duel with Mohammed Kudus and fell down on the ground,” he said. I had a feeling that he kicked too much through the ball and hit me like three times. I was a bit mad and stood up and pushed him.
“Then he literally punched me, he punched me in the face and I went down. I didn’t know what happened afterwards.
“That was the situation. If the FA say you need to get fined, it’s not how I think about it. I think it should be a different situation.”
If Kudus does seal a switch across London, it could be an awkward reunion with his new teammate. However, Cristian Romero and Richarlison clashed prior to the latter joining Tottenham and they merely shared a playful exchange when meeting.
To sign the Ghana international, Spurs will have to pay more than the £50million paid to Everton for Richarlison. Spurs will have to match their record transfer fee of £65million, which was paid to Bournemouth for Dominic Solanke just last summer.
Despite the fact he has an £85million release clause in his contract, the Hammers have set their demands much lower with their need for a financial boost clear. Talks are said to have progressed well with his representatives, but Chelsea could throw a spanner in the works.
Despite agreeing to sign Jamie Gittens and having announced the arrival of Joao Pedro, more attacking additions could still come to Stamford Bridge, but exits will first need to be sanctioned.
