Thomas Frank admits Mohammed Kudus sees and takes notice of West Ham fan threats

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank says Mohammed Kudus will be fully aware of the hostile reception awaiting him at the London Stadium this weekend.

The Ghanaian forward, who swapped West Ham United for Spurs in a £55 million move this summer, faces his former club for the first time since the acrimonious switch.

His transfer has enraged large sections of the Hammers’ support, with flags depicting “Judas” on a snake’s body already displayed by angry fans.

“You don’t think they will applaud him? Maybe not,” Frank said when asked about Kudus’s return. “I’m pretty sure players and myself hear the extra noise but then you get into your zone. I’m sure it will be the same for Kudus and anyone in a hostile atmosphere.”

Andy Payne, joint secretary of Hammers United – West Ham’s biggest supporters’ group with almost 20,000 members – summed up the mood: “Leaving West Ham to join Tottenham is second only to signing for Millwall. I expect Kudus to receive a sub-optimal welcome back. Or in other words, he will get a lot of s**t.”

The 25-year-old, who lit up the London Stadium at times during his two-season stint in claret and blue, may now find out the price of leaving.

West Ham fans have long memories: even Declan Rice was booed on his return with Arsenal, while Paul Ince endured similar backlash over his 1989 switch to Manchester United.

Security at the London Stadium has been tightened, but the atmosphere is expected to be intense when Spurs visit on Saturday.