Ghana international Andre Ayew could be key to Swansea’s survival in the Premier League
When Andre Ayew arrived at Swansea as a free agent from Marseille in the summer I was absolutely amazed that the Swans had managed to snare his signature.
It was not because the Welsh club are not a reputable club, but Ayew had previously been linked with a move to the likes of Arsenal and reigning champions Chelsea.
A move to a midtable Premier League club seemed unlikely.
According to reports from Sky Sports, relegation-threatened Sunderland are attempting to sign the Ghana international. The Welsh club have made it quite clear that they do not wish to sell Ayew in January.
A fantastic bit of business
Having seen Ayew play for both Marseille and Ghana he seemed like he was destined to play for a leading club, in whatever league he wanted. Why a title challenging club from France or England did not make a move for the Ghanaian is beyond me.
Swansea have been very shrewd in the transfer market in recent years and the deal to sign Ayew must go down as one of the best the Swans have pulled-off. These days’ clubs spend hundreds of millions to achieve success and sometimes fail.
When you see a player like Ayew, who was signed on a free transfer, prove such an influential player, as he was in the recent win at Everton you have to question the transfer policy of some clubs in the Premier League.
It seems it is not in fashion to sign players on free transfers or for low fees. The likes of Manchester City and Manchester United spent a fortune in the summer, as it would probably damage their image to appear to be prudent, rather than extravagant in their spending.
Swansea have cemented their place in the English top-flight by spending money wisely and scouting well. It has proved a very successful strategy from Huw Jenkins and the rest of the Swans hierarchy.
A consistent performer
The Welsh side have endured a poor campaign in this in the top-flight and are in a relegation battle. Ayew has been one of the few bright spots for the Swans
Despite his team’s poor form this season, Ayew seems to have managed to stay relatively consistent and his level of performance has generally been good. Ayew has scored eight goals this season and no matter what position he has played in he seems to have performed.
New Swans head coach Francesco Guidolin is adaptable in his tactical approach to the game and played without a central striker at Everton. The tactic paid-off with maximum points on Merseyside, as Ayew and Wayne Routledge’s movement from the wings caused the Toffees no end of problems.
Ayew scored what turned out to be the winning goal and the Ghanaian international is perfect for Guidolin’s adaptable tactic approach. He will cause opposition defences problems whatever position he plays in.
His skill, movement and football intelligence makes him one of the Swans most important players for the rest of the campaign.
Still not clear of danger
Swansea are without a doubt still in the relegation dogfight, just four points clear of danger and are currently odds of 7/2 to be relegated to the Championship this season.
The appointment of the experienced Guidolin looks to be another clever one by the Welsh side judging by the team’s performance in the Italian’s first game in charge.
If Guidolin plans to stick with game plan he used at Goodison Park, then Ayew could be vital his tactics as the Ghanaian brings real quality to the Swansea attack.
It seems strange that Sunderland believed they could prize Ayew away from Swansea. The Black Cats are in even deeper trouble than the Swans and Ayew seems very committed to the Swansea cause at the moment.
No doubt there will be more interest in Andre Ayew’s services in the summer, but if he does move on in the summer it is likely to be to a team that are challenging in the upper reaches of their league.
Sunderland may be challenging at the top of their league next season, but at the moment their league looks like the Championship and Ayew is far too good for the second tier.
Is Andre Ayew’s Swansea’s most important player?
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