Dutch giants Ajax will not sign Chelsea and Morocco winger Hakim Ziyech because of the availability of Ghana star Kudus Mohammed, coach Alfred Schreuder has disclosed.
Mohammed Kudus is desperate to leave Ajax, with Footballghana.com sources revealing that the midfielder refused to train on Wednesday in an attempt to force a transfer to Everton on transfer deadline day.
It is said the former FC Nordsjaelland star has agreed personal terms with the Premier League side.
According to the coach, Ziyech return to Ajax is impossible as he believes he has options to choose from including Ghana star Kudus Mohammed despite Antony departure.
"We did talk about that, of course," Schreuder admitted at the table at Rondo on Monday evening. "Everyone knows that I think Hakim is a very good player. We already know each other well from our time at FC Twente. He is a wonderful player."
"It is very difficult to attract another player now. And we have several players in that position who can play there, we also made it to Conceicao. But I also think you need speed. That is in current football. very important."
"Dusan Tadic and Mohammed Kudus can also play there," said the coach.
Kudus, who was outstanding during the preseason scoring four goals in four games, has been relegated to the bench, playing less than 30 minutes in the first four games of the season.
The 22-year-old hopes his latest move will put Ajax under pressure to let him go.
Brazilian winger Antony recently used a similar strategy to secure a big-money move to Premier League giants Manchester United.
Kudus joined Ajax from FC Nordsjaelland in 2020 for €9 million and signed a five-year contract.
The 22-year-old has appeared in 46 games, scoring six goals and winning back-to-back Dutch league titles.