Ghana captain Jordan Ayew has completed his move to Sheffield United, signing a one-year contract with the Championship club.
The experienced 34-year-old forward joins the Blades as a free agent after his contract with Leicester City expired at the end of last season.
Sheffield United have now completed their 25-man squad with the addition of the Ghana international, who joins manager Chris Wilder’s squad with immediate effect.
Ayew brings a wealth of experience to the club, having spent much of his career playing at the highest level in both England and France.
His most recent competitive appearance came at the World Cup, where he started all four of Ghana’s matches as the Black Stars advanced to the knockout stage, including their goalless draw against England.
Wilder expressed his delight after Sheffield United moved quickly to secure the services of the experienced forward.
“I spoke last week about being close to getting someone in from the free agent market, and things did move quite quickly, so I am really pleased to have Jordan with us,” Wilder said.
The Sheffield United manager highlighted Ayew’s experience at the highest level and his versatility across the attacking positions.
“We’re talking about someone here with bags of experience from right at the top level of the game. Only a few months ago he was captaining Ghana in the World Cup, so he’s someone with real pedigree.”
Wilder also pointed to Ayew’s previous experience in the Championship and his ability to play in different attacking roles.
“He did well at this level last season in difficult circumstances and has played all across the front positions during his career, which gives us plenty of options,” he added.
Ayew, meanwhile, said he was delighted to have completed the move and is eager to make an immediate contribution to his new club.
“I’m really, really pleased to be here. The manager and the club made a great effort to get me here as quick as possible,” Ayew said.
The Ghana captain revealed that the move came together rapidly after Wilder contacted him while he was in Ghana.
“It happened really, really quick because I was in Ghana and the manager called me last week. I didn’t think twice, I just took the opportunity.”
Ayew arrives at Sheffield United with more than 500 competitive appearances to his name, having represented Marseille, Sochaux, Lorient, Aston Villa, Swansea City, Crystal Palace and Leicester City during his career.
The move marks another chapter in the veteran forward’s long association with English football, with Ayew now set to help Sheffield United strengthen their attacking options as they pursue their ambitions for the new Championship season.
