Mohammed Kudus arrived in the Premier League with high expectations after a stellar spell in the Eredivisie, but his West Ham journey has been anything but smooth. Now, with Julen Lopetegui’s departure, the Ghanaian midfielder may finally get the boost he needs to reignite his career in East London.

The Spaniard’s short-lived tenure at West Ham ended following a crushing 4-1 defeat to Manchester City, leaving the Hammers languishing in 14th place after 20 games. While Lopetegui’s arrival last summer was initially met with optimism, his inability to stabilize the team or maximize the talents of players like Kudus led to mounting frustration.

Kudus, who had thrived under David Moyes the season prior, found himself in a tactical maze under Lopetegui. Moyes had positioned him on the right wing, allowing him to cut inside and contribute directly to West Ham’s attack. In contrast, Lopetegui’s approach saw the Ghanaian shuffled across various roles—left winger, right winger, even central midfield—leaving him unable to find consistency.

From being a key figure under Moyes, scoring 13 goals across all competitions last season, Kudus has managed just three league goals this term. Critics argue that Lopetegui’s focus on team structure over individual strengths stifled the 23-year-old’s creativity.

With Graham Potter now heavily linked to the managerial role, Kudus could be on the verge of a career-defining chapter. Known for his ability to develop players and tailor tactics to individual strengths, Potter has transformed players like Ben White, Leandro Trossard, and Moises Caicedo into Premier League stars during his time at Brighton.

Potter’s philosophy demands versatility, work ethic, and adaptability—qualities Kudus has already displayed in his young career. His arrival could finally provide Kudus with the stability and tactical clarity he needs to thrive.

The road hasn’t been easy for Kudus at West Ham, with three managers in just over two years. Yet, with Potter’s proven track record and Kudus’ undeniable talent, the stars might align for the Ghanaian midfielder to fulfill his potential.

Could Graham Potter be the coach to unlock the best version of Mohammed Kudus? For now, West Ham fans—and Kudus himself—can only hope.