Liverpool assistant Johnny Heitinga could play a key role in bringing West Ham's Mohammed Kudus to Anfield as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah.
With the Egyptian superstar's contract expiring in June and no fresh deal in sight, the Reds may be hunting for a new star this summer. One name that has been linked with Liverpool is West Ham forward Kudus.
Despite not having a standout season at the London Stadium so far, he did rekindle his spark in a surprise 1-0 victory over Arsenal last time out. However, it was under 41-year-old Heitinga that Kudus enjoyed some of his most fruitful spells with the Hammers and in the Eredivisie.
Given his previous comments about the helpful assistant, who has been filling in for Arne Slot during his two-game touchline suspension, Kudus might welcome the chance to jump ship for Merseyside.
It was reported back in November 2024 that Kudus was on Liverpool's radar. The Ghanaian is believed to have a £85million release clause in his contract, which becomes active this summer. However, Sky Sports suggests this figure is more than what Liverpool are willing to pay, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The Mail also claim that West Ham are unwilling to lower this fee, with both Liverpool and title-chasing Arsenal keeping an eye on the situation. Reflecting on the player's attitude, Kudus' past remarks about former Ajax and West Ham coach Heitinga – who stepped in for the suspended Slot during Liverpool's 2-0 victory over Newcastle on Wednesday night – are glowing.
"I felt very good under him," Kudus shared with Voetbal Primeur. "He is the best coach I had at Ajax. Apart from the training aspect, I also hold him in high regard in terms of standards and values. I would have liked to have worked with him longer."
Ex-Everton defender Heitinga returned to England in the summer of 2023, moving from Dutch giants Ajax to join David Moyes at West Ham – the same path Kudus took to the Premier League. The Athletic report that the 41-year-old recommended Kudus to Moyes before his £38m signing later that August.
When Moyes left his position last year, Heitinga followed suit, taking up a role under the newly appointed Slot two months later. In the absence of Heitinga, the Ghana international has mustered just three goals so far in a campaign marred by a sending-off against Tottenham and a bust-up with former coach Julen Lopetegui at half-time in a 1-1 draw against Brentford last year.
Under the Dutch assistant, however, Kudus fired home 18 goals in all competitions to accompany seven assists, performing with flair-filled consistency in London. With Heitinga around at Ajax, too, Kudus dazzled both domestically and in the Champions League with another 18-goal season in 2022 enough to see him purchased by the Hammers.
"He is a top trainer, and I really appreciated his efforts to make the players better at the time," Kudus added. "When we met again (at West Ham), there were immediate things that connected us. He tried to make me and all the other players better. I am very grateful to him for our time at West Ham."
If Liverpool find themselves in need of attacking reinforcements this summer, the strong bond between Heitinga and Kudus, formed during their stints at West Ham and Ajax, could pave the way for a powerful reunion on Merseyside.