Former Ajax Amsterdam striker Marco van Basten has expressed his skepticism regarding Ajax's decision to part ways with Mohammed Kudus, a pivotal player for the renowned Dutch club.
Over the weekend, Ajax finalized an agreement with West Ham United for the transfer of the 23-year-old midfielder, who had showcased exceptional performance during the previous season.
Van Basten, however, has raised concerns about the direction Ajax is taking, suggesting that the decision prioritizes financial gain over the development of a competitive team for the future.
"Why is he going to West Ham, why?" questioned Van Basten during his appearance on Ziggo Sport Voetbal.
"Considering he still has a two-year contract, one would think that Ajax's focus should be on building a strong team, not just on making profits."
Van Basten further pondered on the fundamental role of a football club, emphasizing whether its purpose is to provide entertainment to the fans and a platform for players to excel or if it's solely about generating revenue.
"Is the goal to sell players now simply for monetary gain? Kudus still has much to offer at Ajax. He has displayed remarkable performance over the past year, and fans come to the stadium to watch players like him," he asserted.
Kudus's remarkable record of 17 goals across various competitions in the 2022/23 season, including contributions in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, has only added to the perplexity surrounding Ajax's decision. The midfielder's exceptional start to the current season, featuring four goals and one assist in three games, including a noteworthy hattrick in the Europa League, has further underscored his value on the pitch.
