Mohammed Kudus could get second chance from Liverpool after 'disappointing' transfer collapse

Liverpool transfer links have begun in earnest. In the last 48 hours alone, Mohammed Kudus and Anthony Gordon have been linked with blockbuster moves to the club.

The credence of those reports remains to be seen. But Liverpool is certainly now in a place where it can begin to sketch out transfer market plans, even though it is yet to announce the identity of Jürgen Klopp's successor.

For one thing, it's more or less an open secret that Arne Slot will get the job. But just as importantly, Liverpool has made significant progress in restructuring its recruitment operation — the decision over whether to pursue Kudus will be made by incoming sporting director Richard Hughes, among others.

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Hughes is one of many staff members reporting in to Michael Edwards, back in the FSG fold as CEO of football. In that capacity, he has also reappointed Julian Ward, who will be named technical director, and David Woodfine, who will become assistant sporting director. Pedro Marques of Benfica will become director of football development.

According to Ghana Soccer Net, this brain trust has decided to trigger a $107m (£85m/€99m) release clause to bring Kudus to Liverpool. The report actually suggests that Slot is a particular fan of the West Ham man.

Amid the claim that 'first contacts' have been made, this could actually be something of a second chance for Kudus. Though he belatedly got his Premier League transfer, he thought he would be moving to the city of Liverpool two years ago — only for Manchester United to indirectly thwart a proposed switch to Everton.

"The fact that Ajax blocked a transfer to Everton last summer disappointed me. I thought it was time for a new chapter in my career, because I didn’t play here," Kudus told De Telegraaf.

"But the moment the transfer market closed, my full focus was back on Ajax. The only reason I wanted to leave before that was my reserve role."

It's thought that Ajax ruled out a transfer after losing Antony to Manchester United. It hadn't expected to sanction that deal, but was left with little option as the bids from Old Trafford just went up and up.

Kudus certainly became a regular at Ajax after that, knuckling down and earning his move to West Ham the following summer. Other Premier League clubs were also credited with an interest at that time.

"I have a strong faith in God and he has made the positive decision for me not to let the transfer go through," Kudus said after his initial move had been blocked. Perhaps avoiding Everton then could pave the way for a move to Liverpool's real main attraction two years down the line.

Liverpool.com says: It would be a truly grim summer for Everton if both Kudus and Gordon made their way to Liverpool. The one that got away and a former fan favorite, both would be odds-on to thrive at Anfield.

Realistically, if either link holds water, it will surely be a case of one or the other, with Newcastle and West Ham both demanding handsome fees. But if Liverpool's new crack team decides Kudus is the one, he could finally get his move to the city, and would be an exciting addition to the side.