The claret and blue faithful of West Ham United have witnessed a season of considerable disappointment in the 2024/2025 Premier League campaign. While a multitude of factors contribute to a team’s performance, one element under particularly intense scrutiny is the form, or lack thereof, of their dynamic midfielder, Mohammed Kudus. After a scintillating debut season, the Ghanaian international has struggled to recapture the magic that once electrified the London Stadium.

Indeed, the drop in form of Mohammed Kudus has not gone unnoticed. Pundits and fans alike have voiced their concerns, and among the most prominent voices is that of Jamie Carragher. The Liverpool legend turned insightful analyst believes that Kudus’ diminished performance is a critical component of West Ham’s current struggles, a situation that might even lead to the club considering a summer sale to balance the books.

In his inaugural season with the Hammers, Kudus was nothing short of a revelation. He provided a spark, a creative impetus that had been sorely missed. He quickly became a fan favorite, his name chanted with fervent passion from the terraces. He seemed to glide across the pitch, terrorizing defenders with his pace, trickery, and eye for goal.

That first season, 2023/2024, saw Mohammed Kudus notch an impressive 14 goals and assists across all competitions, combining his contributions in the Premier League and West Ham’s ultimately unsuccessful run in the Europa League. His dynamism and attacking prowess provided a significant boost to West Ham’s overall attacking threat, alleviating pressure on established players and offering a new dimension to their play. He was a catalyst, a game-changer, the kind of player that gets fans off their seats.

However, the narrative has shifted considerably this season. The dazzling footwork, the incisive passes, and the clinical finishing have been replaced by a shadow of the player West Ham supporters came to adore. The stats paint a stark picture: in 29 league appearances this season, Kudus has managed a mere 4 goals and 2 assists. This is a marked contrast to his debut season and reflects a concerning decline in his overall impact.

“One of the reasons why West Ham are where they are this season is because he hasn’t shown the form that he showed last season,” – Jamie Carragher.

Carragher’s assessment is blunt, yet it rings with a disquieting truth. The visible difference in Kudus’ performance is undeniable. His runs lack the same explosiveness, his passes the same accuracy, and his shots the same venom. Carragher’s expertise provides credible insights into the causes and implications of this drop in form, suggesting a potential combination of factors including fatigue, tactical adjustments by opposing teams, and perhaps even a dip in confidence.

The situation has led to speculation about Kudus’ future at West Ham. As Carragher points out, West Ham might need to raise funds through player sales to reinvest in the squad or address financial concerns. Kudus, despite his recent struggles, remains a valuable asset and a potential candidate for a summer transfer.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a change there in some way, because West Ham need the money,” – Jamie Carragher.

Despite the dip in form, Mohammed Kudus still possesses undeniable talent and potential. Top European clubs are undoubtedly aware of his previous exploits and might view this season as an anomaly, a temporary setback rather than a terminal decline. A change of scenery, a new tactical setup, or simply a renewed sense of purpose could be all that Kudus needs to rediscover his best form.

In summary, Mohammed Kudus’ decline in form has undeniably been a significant contributor to West Ham’s struggles this season. Jamie Carragher’s analysis underscores the importance of Kudus’ performance to the team’s overall success. With a potential summer sale looming, West Ham faces a critical decision regarding Kudus’ future and their overall transfer strategy. The coming months will reveal whether Kudus can recapture his previous brilliance, either at West Ham or elsewhere, and whether the Hammers can navigate their current challenges and build a brighter future.