Transfer Centre

Nottingham Forest complete Andre Ayew signing

By Ben Sully | 02 February 2023

Nottingham Forest sign former Swansea City and West Ham United forward Andre Ayew on a free transfer, agreeing a deal until the end of the season.

Nottingham Forest have announced the signing of Andre Ayew on a short-term deal.

The forward has been without a club after recently leaving Qatari side Al-Sadd, who agreed to terminate his deal.

Ayew scored 22 goals and provided two assists in 39 appearances during a two-year spell with Al-Sadd, helping the club win a league title and a domestic cup.

The Ghana international flew to England this week to discuss a return to the Premier League, having previously played for Swansea City and West Ham United.

Ayew held discussions with Everton over a potential deal, but he turned down their approach in favour of a move to Nottingham Forest.

Ghana's Andre Ayew wearing a head bandage on January 10, 2022 © Reuters

Having signed a short-term deal until the end of the season, Ayew becomes Forest's 30th signing since they won promotion to the Premier League last term, and he links up with manager Steve Cooper, who he previously worked with at Swansea.

Upon his arrival, Ayew told the club's official website: "It is a great feeling to sign for Nottingham Forest. I know how big the club is and I know how much the club means to the city and the fanbase.

"It has always been difficult whenever I have played against Forest and at The City Ground and I love the stadium.

"Steve Cooper is someone who knows me very well and knows how to work with me both on and off the pitch. We have a strong relationship, he's a special coach and a special human being and someone who I really look up to.

"I know what I can bring to the team, I'm ready to give my all and make sure that we are able to stay in the Premier League."

Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper on January 7, 2023 © Reuters

Ayew will offer versatility to the Forest side, with the forward comfortable playing on the flanks or through the middle.

The new arrival joins a Forest side who are currently sat in 13th place in the Premier League table, with four points separating them from the relegation zone.

On Wednesday, they lost 2-0 to Manchester United in the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final, resulting in a 5-0 aggregate defeat.

However, they are unbeaten in four league games, and they will be looking to continue that promising run of form when they play host to Leeds United on Saturday.