'All positive' - Jordan Ayew reveals conversations with Sheffield United duo after agreeing transfer
Sheffield United wrapped up the signing of former Leicester City attacker Jordan Ayew on a free transfer earlier this week.
Striker Jordan Ayew has admitted that he reached out to Hamza Choudhury and Jaïro Riedewald for some insight into Sheffield United after deciding to join the club.
United, who will be targeting back-to-back Championship wins for the first time this season when they host Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, confirmed Ayew’s arrival on a free transfer on Tuesday. He has signed a one-year deal at Bramall Lane.
The Ghanaian was available on a free transfer after leaving Leicester City at the end of last season. He had spent two seasons with the Foxes, scoring 12 goals in 80 appearances for the club as they suffered back-to-back relegations.
Following the end of the summer transfer window last week, United felt they remained light in attacking areas, meaning they made the decision to enter the free-agent market. Manager Chris Wilder reached out to Ayew towards the end of last week.
Although the 34-year-old did not need much convincing to join the Blades, admitting that he “didn’t think twice” before making his decision, he reached out to former teammates Choudhury and Riedewald for some insight, having played with the duo at Leicester and Crystal Palace, respectively.
Ayew told United’s YouTube channel: “Those are the boys I called before, obviously, making my decision.
“Even though I made my decision before, I wanted to know a bit more about the club, so, obviously, I spoke to Jaïro, I spoke to Hamza, and it was all positive.
“Already, Hamza, when he came on loan, was really, really positive about the football club. So, for me, there was just one thing on my mind: it was to come to United, and I’m really pleased to be here.”
Just a few hours after his arrival at Bramall Lane was confirmed, Ayew was named on the bench for United’s 2–1 win over Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park. Although he was not handed his debut by Wilder, the former Leicester man is itching to get started in S2 as quickly as possible.
“I’ve been working [in Ghana] because, obviously, I knew that I would have had an opportunity at some point,” Ayew added. “So, obviously, the Blades came, and I took it.
“I feel good, I feel okay, and hopefully, I can get started as soon as possible.”