Slaven Bilić has done his work quietly in the transfer market this season so far getting in some players who will suit his style of play perfectly. The Hammers have already roped in the likes of Gokhan Tore, Sofiane Feghouli and Havard Nordtveit while making the move of Lanzini permanent from Al Jazira. Andre Ayew now becomes the club’s latest and most expensive signing ever with West Ham paying Swansea £20.5m for the player. The Ghana international signed a three-year contract with an additional two-year option and his acquisition has now strengthened the London club even more.
Andre Ayew has always been a player of great quality but was much underrated throughout his career so far. The 26-year old made his club debut for Marseille in 2007 and in his eight years at the club, he scored a total of 60 goals winning the Ligue 1 title twice in 2010 and 2011. The 2011-12 season was his personal best as he scored 16 times for his club and was awarded the Ghana Player of The Year as well as The African Player Of The year. Last season, Ayew joined the Swans on a free transfer making an immediate impact scoring on his debut against Chelsea. The Ghanaian went on to score 12 times in the season, a remarkable return for a player grabbed on a Bosman.
Ayew is very versatile, being capable of playing as a striker, winger or even as an attacking midfielder. He definitely would provide the Hammers a lot of options, something which his manager will relish thoroughly. Last season, West Ham were one of the teams who stunned everybody else, finishing 7th with 62 points. Next season, the club will be playing at the brand new Olympic Stadium. The 60,000 capacity stadium would give the club a massive windfall in terms of match-day revenue, so the club management seems determined to match up their stature of the stadium with their performances on the field. After a promising debut season, Bilić would be hoping to build on the good work, trying to go one better next season, having a crack at the Champions league qualification places.
With everybody else around them strengthening their squads, the Hammers have responded with their own signings. Andre Ayew is a big name for them, who has already been the marquee signing in terms of transfer fees. The Ghanaian will be joining his teammate from Marseille, Dimitri Payet at West Ham, one he used to have a great understanding with. Payet had been one of the standout players in the League last season and a revelation at the Boleyn Ground. The Ayew- Payet partnership will thus be a major significant factor next season for the Hammers and it can power them to mount a challenge for the top 4 places of the Premier League table.
