Nottingham Forest have signed Ghana captain and free agent Andre Ayew until the end of the season. The 33-year-old attacker was without a club after leaving Qatari club Al Sadd after two years with the Middle Eastern club.
Ayew refused a move to Everton, Forest’s Premier League opponent, before the January transfer window closed.
A former Swansea and West Ham player, Ayew is Forest’s 29th signing since their return to the Premier League.
“It’s a great feeling to sign for Nottingham Forest,” Ayew stated.
“I know how big the club is and I know how much the club means to the city and the fanbase. It’s always been difficult whenever I’ve played against Forest and at The City Ground and I love the stadium.
“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.”
Forest manager Steve Cooper is familiar with Ayew, having worked with him in Wales, and his presence will assist cover for injuries to Taiwo Awoniyi, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Jermaine Pennant.
“Steve Cooper is someone who knows me very well and knows how to work with me both on and off the pitch,” Ayew remarked.
“We have a strong relationship, he’s a special coach and a special human being and someone who I really look up to.”
Born in France, Ayew began his professional career at Marseille, scoring 60 goals in 209 appearances during a nine-year spell with the French club. In June 2015, he moved to Premier League side, Swansea having two spells either side of his two-year stay with the Hammers. Ayew has received a total of 113 international caps. His participation in the 2022 FIFA World Cup made him the only Ghanaian player to feature at the nation’s last three World Cups and scored in their opening group stage fixture against Portugal.