Leeds United will rival Celtic for the signature of Andre Ayew, according to Ghana Soccernet.
The report from the player’s homeland claims that Leeds view Ayew as a valuable addition given his experiences in the English Premier League with West Ham United and Swansea City.
The same source reported last week that Celtic were interested in snapping the player up. This comes with Ayew out of contract after leaving Championship club Swansea at the end of the season.
According to the Athletic, Ayew had been on £80k-per-week with the Welsh club. Therefore, matching wages at that level would be a no-go for the Hoops.
Even so, Ghana Soccernet claimed today that Celtic were putting together an offer that would be difficult to refuse. Turkish outfit Fenerbahce have also been linked.
Leeds and Celtic to battle for Andre Ayew? A difficult task for the Hoops
The report claims that the relationship between Ayew and Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa could be a key factor in any move. This comes after the pair worked together at Marseille in the past.
However, the truth is that any potential move to Parkhead looked unlikely in any case. The addition of Premier League interest only makes a switch up north even more unlikely.
It would undoubtedly be some signing. Ayew has been Swansea’s top scorer in each of the past two seasons. Not to mention the international experience he holds too with as many as 91 Ghana caps to his name. He has EPL, European, and World Cup experience to his name [Transfermarkt].
The only hope Celtic may have is if Ayew’s priorities rely solely on adding medals to his CV. So far in his career he’s won 2 French League Cups and three French Super Cups. He’s yet to win a league title, and that’s a box he would hopefully like to cross off. That’s what Celtic could potentially offer him as their unique carrot.
However, Leeds would give him the opportunity to have one final pop at Premier League football. At 31, this could be the final time a club in England’s top-flight looks to take a gamble on him.
Only Ayew knows for certain what would interest him more. But if Leeds truly are interested in a move, it only makes him arriving at Celtic all the more unlikely.
In other news, the Hatayspor manager has provided an update on Celtic-linked Aaron Boupendza’s future.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
