Report: Celtic keen on 17-goal Andre Ayew; available for free

By David Walton

June 7, 2021

Celtic are keen on securing Ghana international Andre Ayew on a free transfer this summer, Ghana Soccernet reports.

It’s been claimed by a report in the player’s homeland that Ayew is now on the radar of the Hoops, who have still to officially confirm a new manager.

Celtic look set to see Odsonne Edouard off this summer, whilst Patryk Klimala has already left. That currently leaves the Hoops with two strikers available in Leigh Griffiths and Albian Ajeti.

Ayew, however, could be signed on a free after departing Swansea City this summer. Last season, the attacker finished the club’s top scorer with 17 goals in games [BBC]. Last season was the second consecutive year Ayew has finished as Swansea’s top marksman too. In the 2019/20 campaign, he bagged 18 goals for the Championship club [Transfermarkt].

At 31, it certainly wouldn’t be a signing secured for future profit further down the line. However, Ayew’s pedigree can’t be denied, and would be the kind of big-name signing Celtic need to lay out a statement of intent for the summer.

A Celtic move for Andre Ayew will surely strike a financial barrier

As is always the case with some of the better players down south, finances will likely be the main barrier. Ayew, for example, was said to be the club’s top earner by some distance last season [BBC].

It likely depends on the backing the Celtic board is willing to give the new boss. Neil Lennon claimed during his time in charge that Celtic can offer as much as any Championship club for a player [Daily Record]. Granted, our continued absence from Champions League football won’t help that cause.

But you can’t deny that Ayew could easily pull his weight up here. He’s the current Ghana captain and has bagged 91 international appearances for his country. He’s also had experience of World Cups, the EPL, and over 200 appearances in Ligue 1 with Marseille [Transfermarkt].

Andre Ayew celebrates scoring for Swansea (Photo by Athena Pictures/Getty Images)

It’s yet to be reported who else will be keen on taking Ayew, but he won’t be short of offers. With a bit of luck it won’t come down to what’s most financially suitable for him. He should be in a position now where that means very little.

Celtic could offer the attacker his first taste of the UEFA Champions League since his 2013 adventure with Marseille. If the Hoops really are looking to make a statement signing, Ayew would certainly fit the bill.

It remains to be seen whether we will look to get Edouard off the wage bill before any move is sanctioned.

In other news, a Celtic-linked centre-back who’s been labelled Swedish football’s “best ever” appears open to offers.