West Ham are reportedly interested in bringing Swansea City attacker Andre Ayew to the London Stadium this summer. There has been a bit of a negative reaction from fans to this potential signing but there are many reasons as to why Ayew would be an excellent addition for the Hammers.
First, his relationship with Dimitri Payet is something that cannot be ignored. When the pair played together at Marseille, they produced 17 goals and 20 assists between them in a stellar 2014/15 season. Payet was the playmaker whilst Ayew was the all-action number 10 with an eye for a goal.
Another important point to consider is that West Ham will eventually have a decent selection of strikers so Ayew doesn’t necessarily have to be bought as one of the main striker signings. Jonathan Calleri looks set to join the Hammers and you’d expect the board to purchase another first team striker. Andre Ayew can play up front but he won’t necessarily be the much-coveted striker West Ham need. Instead, he is a player who is more than capable of leading the line when required and this is something that could work in West Ham’s favour as Ayew’s arrival would represent strength in depth both up front and in midfield.
The Ghana international is also proven in the Premier League which is a big plus as the club are chasing front men that have not done it in England’s top flight. Although this may be viewed as a slightly archaic way of looking at things, signing good players that are proven in this league is becoming more and more difficult as clubs are in a position where they don’t have to sell to buy any more.
Another attractive proposition for the Hammers is Ayew’s price. It is rumoured that the attacker could be available for around £15 million which is excellent value in today’s market. For example, Liverpool have just paid £35 million for Sadio Mane, who scored 11 Premier League goals last season, one fewer than Ayew. Also, if the Hammers can negotiate a like for like swap with Swansea for Enner Valencia, it would be fantastic business.
He did opt for a more lucrative Swansea offer last summer when the Hammers approached him but Ayew has proven his worth as one of the Premier League’s most promising number 10s.
He’s good in the air, quick and is more than capable of scoring important goals. He inspired a huge victory for Swansea at Upton Park last season and his performances in English football so far means he deserves a shot playing for a team in the top half. If the board can pull this one off, the Hammers would have yet another fine player to add to a very impressive attacking force next season.
