Ghana captain Jordan Ayew has joined English Championship side Sheffield United on a free transfer after signing a one-year contract with the club.
The 34-year-old forward completed the move after leaving Leicester City in July when his contract with the Foxes expired.
Sheffield United announced the signing on Tuesday, with Ayew saying the move came together quickly following a call from manager Chris Wilder.
“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 told the club’s media team.
Wilder welcomed the experienced Ghanaian to Bramall Lane, highlighting his pedigree at the highest level of the game.
“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 said.
The Sheffield United manager also pointed to Ayew’s versatility as an important asset, noting that the forward has played in several attacking positions throughout his career.
“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 brings more than 500 competitive club appearances to Sheffield United, having previously played for Marseille, Sochaux, Lorient, Aston Villa, Swansea City, Crystal Palace and Leicester City.
His arrival is expected to add experience and attacking options to a Sheffield United team that has won just one of its opening five Championship matches.
Ayew said his immediate priority is to help the club achieve its targets and make a meaningful contribution during the season.
“The most important thing is for me to help the team and obviously for us to have a great season. I have a lot of desire this season to make an impact and to help the team because we have a good squad and there’s a lot of positive things we can do,” he said.
Wilder believes Ayew can follow in the footsteps of other free-agent signings who made an impact at Sheffield United last season.
“We used the free market to great effect last season, and we believe Jordan can come in and have an impact here just like Pat (Bamford) and Jaïro (Riedewald) did,” he said.
