Former West Ham defender John Paintsil has expressed his admiration for fellow Ghanaian footballer Mohammed Kudus following his transfer to the Premier League club.
Kudus signed a five-year contract with the Europa League champions on Sunday, leaving Ajax for an undisclosed fee.
This move not only marks a pivotal step in Kudus’ career but also places him as the third Ghanaian to don the West Ham jersey, following the footsteps of Paintsil himself and Black Stars captain Andre Ayew.
During his two-year stint at West Ham, where he made 19 appearances, Paintsil witnessed the inner workings of the club firsthand. He believes that Kudus’ decision to join West Ham is a prudent one, especially given the 23-year-old’s recent display of skill and prowess, including a remarkable hat-trick against Bulgarian champions Ludogorets in the Europa League.
Paintsil voiced his thoughts on Kumasi-based Akoma FM, stating, “Signing for West Ham is a great choice and a good decision taken by the young man. West Ham is a big platform with a big family which opens great doors for every player that joins them. This decision will help Kudus and his family as well as Black Stars. And with inclusion now, their Premier League campaign will be a great one.”
Highlighting Kudus’ potential, Paintsil likened him to legendary players Carlos Tevez and Yossi Benayoun, drawing parallels that showcase the young talent’s capabilities on the field.
Fans can anticipate Kudus’ potential debut for West Ham as they face Luton Town in their upcoming Premier League match on Friday.
