Leicester City have reportedly secured a deal with Crystal Palace to sign forward Jordan Ayew, according to South London Press journalist Edmund Brack.
This acquisition marks a significant step for Leicester as they look to reinforce their attacking options ahead of their return to the Premier League.
Ayew, the younger brother of Andre Ayew, who previously played under Steve Cooper at Nottingham Forest and Swansea City, has been a long-standing target for the Foxes throughout the transfer window.
Cooper has been eager to strengthen his front line, particularly with value deals that can help Leicester navigate the financial complexities of Premier League squad regulations.
The 32-year-old forward, who was entering the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park, will bring much-needed experience to Leicester’s attack.
Ayew had a solid season with Crystal Palace last year, contributing four goals and seven assists in 35 appearances, proving his reliability and consistency in the top flight.
Steve Cooper, discussing the club’s transfer strategy, expressed his determination to finalise deals:
“Keen on getting deals over the line, we’re working hard and like I said, if that happens then great.
“The week before, I was close to being convinced that we were adding two attacking players and then they didn’t play out as we thought right at the end.”
Cooper’s frustration at near-misses in the transfer market has been evident, but his focus remains on strengthening the squad before the window closes.
“I have been really clear with the club about what the team has needed,” Cooper added.
“We were that close to a couple of attacking players last week. I was certain they were going to happen. By the time the window closes, we hope to have more strength in depth.”
Ayew has been a loyal servant to Crystal Palace over his five-and-a-half years at the club. Initially joining on loan from Swansea City, Ayew made 195 Premier League appearances for the Eagles, scoring 21 goals and becoming a respected figure among the fans.
As Ayew enters what is likely to be the final year of his contract in London, the opportunity to move to Leicester and continue his Premier League career in the East Midlands seems a logical next step.
Given his contract situation, it was expected that Ayew would be available for a relatively modest fee, and Brack reports that the two clubs have agreed on a sum of around £8 million.
Leicester City, in need of bolstering their attack, see Ayew as a valuable addition to their squad. The forward, described as “unbelievable” by former teammate Cheikhou Kouyaté, could provide the experience and versatility Leicester require as they aim to secure their Premier League status in the upcoming season.