Lets face it, if we'd got him when he was close to being signed (even with a release clause), we'd all be celebrating the club's succession planning / squad building once the Enciso injury was revealed.
It looks like we'd spent time agreeing the contract, his agent came in with extras to include at the last minute and we "felt cheated" and have walked away.
Some interesting background here. Kudus' representatives are tough negotiators. Brighton thought they had a deal then additional requirements were added and Brighton felt cheated...
The way I read the developing story, Ajax aren't pissed off and wanting to punish Brighton - we did everything correctly by negotiating a price with them first.
But other teams coming in and getting into his ear (Man United/Arsenal) and Chelsea agreeing terms without putting in a bid, have...
Seems like it's all been a massive waste of everyone's time and energy! Reports about our interest started in June, so it's a long time to have been strung along.
Dutch media reporting that the 48 hour deadline that Kudus had regarding his personal terms with Brighton has expired. So, Ajax are back in control and will no longer cooperate easily / his price tag will increase.