West Ham United were reportedly in discussions with Manchester United over a potential swap deal involving attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus and winger Jadon Sancho. The negotiations have stalled, despite Kudus being eager for a move to Old Trafford.

Kudus, who has been with the Hammers since 2023, emerged as a significant player, contributing vital goals and assists. He was identified as a player that West Ham might sell to fund new transfers. However, the deal with Manchester United fell through due to uncertainties about Sancho’s fit within the West Ham system.

Talks of a potential swap

The proposed swap deal, initially fueled by the uncertainty surrounding Chelsea’s decision regarding Sancho's future, seemed promising. Manchester United needed alternatives as Chelsea weighed up their options on Sancho, who spent the last season on loan there. Sancho was open to the idea of joining West Ham, providing a potential lifeline beyond Chelsea. Nevertheless, West Ham’s management hesitated, causing the deal to stagnate.

Kudus’ future at West Ham

West Ham is actively looking to sell Kudus to generate necessary funds for their transfer ambitions. Despite Manchester United’s interest, they are not prioritising a move for Kudus, having already signed Matheus Cunha and nearing a deal for Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo. This has further complicated matters for any prospective deal involving Kudus.

Outlook for both clubs

West Ham remains focused on making a significant sale possibly involving Kudus. However, with Manchester United’s current transfer targets, a move to Old Trafford for Kudus seems unlikely at this stage. Meanwhile, Sancho’s ongoing situation with Chelsea could still impact the outcome for West Ham, as they might revisit interest if a permanent deal with Chelsea does not materialise. Both parties are poised for a busy transfer window ahead.