While the likes of Antony and Lisandro Martinez managed to force through moves from Ajax this summer, Mohammed Kudus did not succeed in his efforts to join Everton.
The Blues were late contenders for the midfielder and while there was a belief in England that a deal was done, that did not prove to be the case.
Kudus eventually went on striker to try and force through a move to Goodison Park but was not as successful in this effort as his teammates, remaining in the Netherlands until January at the earliest.
Fortunately for him there are no hard feelings, and he remains a valued member of Alfred Schreuder’s squad this season.
Algemeen Dagblad cover that today and how the midfielder has done himself a ‘huge favour’ with his recent performances.
They explain that despite other formations proving to be a success early in the campaign, Schreuder plumped for Kudus to lead the line against Rangers this week after he had impressed in training.
That was a masterstroke as he put in a star performance, proving ‘elusive’ for Rangers throughout the game as he ‘created offences, solutions, chances and goals’ for his team.
The displayer has left Schreuder with a decision to make as it is now clear he cannot ‘pass up Kudus again.’
While he may have ‘tried to force’ a move to Everton this summer his display against Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side meant he has done himself a ‘huge favour’. In fact, he’s made himself almost un-droppable.
That’s a quick turnaround given he wanted that move to Everton so badly and hints the Dutch side may be even more reluctant to sanction a sale at any point in the near future.