Andre Ayew another transfer gem for cunning Swansea City
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Swansea City have gained a reputation for making clever judgements in the transfer market in recent seasons, and their latest acquisition of Ghana international Andre Ayew could provide the club with another new heroic frontman at the Liberty Stadium.
In 2012, the Swans sealed the capture of Spanish striker Michu from Rayo Vallecano for a mere £2m, which turned out to be a bargain as he went on to strike 22 times in a magnificent maiden campaign.
Ivory Coast forward Wilfried Bony then followed suit a year later, after striking an incredible 31 times in 30 outings for Vitesse and being awarded with the Golden Shoe for the best player in the Netherlands, with this bulldozing poacher arrived for a respectable £12m.
Bony was eventually lured in by Manchester City in January this year, but the Swans got their money’s worth before a £25m switch was agreed, having equalled Michu as the club’s all-time leading Premier League goalscorer and netting more than anyone other top-flight player in the calendar year of 2014.
Latest recruit Ayew represents the next stage of Swansea’s promising business in the market, as they now target silverware success (28/1 with Coral to win Capital One Cup), with the former Marseille marksman signing on a free transfer upon his contract in France expiring, agreeing a four-year deal in Wales.
“I looked left and right and I thought Swansea was the best choice for me to grow as player,” stated Ayew.
“Not only football-wise but I heard about the squad, how the players live together and the team spirit. So I thought it was great to come to Swansea because I know how positive it is here.
“I’m going to do everything to be ready to adapt but I’m lucky because I’ve played against a lot of English players in the Champions League. I’ll have a pre-season to get ready before the season starts, so I’ll have time to adapt.”
The 25-year-old is a fitting replacement to fill the void left by Bony earlier this year, and a possibly prolific strike partner for Bafetimbi Gomis, who managed to find the net 10 times last term under the guidance of Garry Monk.
Ayew will bring a great deal of experience to Monk’s talented squad as well, despite his young age, having featured over 60 times for Ghana, and even struck against the USA and eventual champions Germany at last summer’s World Cup in Brazil.
With a clinical eye for goal, Ayew could potentially join the likes of Michu and Bony in becoming a prolific hero at the Liberty Stadium, having slotted home 52 times in 181 outings for Ligue 1 side Marseille, since making his debut in 2007 as a promising 17-year-old.
Monk oversaw his side’s impressive climb to an eighth-place finish this term in the top tier, earning many admirers in the process, despite losing their star striker to City midway through the campaign and, with Ayew in their ranks now, the Swans will be gunning for a further push next season (66/1 for top four finish).
