Just a year ago, Mohammed Kudus was dazzling the Premier League with his flair, explosive dribbling, and eye for goal. His debut season at West Ham United had all the makings of a fairy tale — 14 goals, nine assists, and a hero’s welcome in East London after a £38 million switch from Ajax. He was the spark the Hammers didn’t know they needed.

But fast forward to this season, and the story has taken a sharp turn.

The 24-year-old Ghanaian midfielder is now a shadow of the player who lit up the London Stadium. Week after week, Kudus has struggled to find rhythm or make a real impact. His performance against Southampton was perhaps the clearest sign yet — hesitant, lacking his usual edge, and visibly short on confidence.

Some point fingers at his fitness routine, suggesting he may be focusing too much on bulking up at the gym rather than fine-tuning his explosiveness and agility. Others believe it’s a mental block — the pressure of expectations weighing heavily on his shoulders.

West Ham fans, who once saw him as a marquee signing, are beginning to lose patience. And with the summer transfer window looming, murmurs of a potential departure are growing louder. If a club is willing to pay upwards of £50 million, West Ham might be tempted to cash in.

The question now is: Can Kudus turn things around in the few games left this season, or has his West Ham journey already reached its turning point?