Swansea coach delighted with Andre Ayew addition

Swansea City manager Garry Monk has outlined the reasons why he brought Ghana superstar Andre Ayew to the Liberty Stadium on a free transfer.

The Black Star confirmed last week that he will be moving to South Wales when his Olympique de Marseille contract comes to an end at the beginning of July.

“I said when the season ended that I not only wanted to keep the quality we already had within the squad, but to add to it as well,” Monk began, speaking to the club’s official website.

“We’ve certainly done that with Ayew’s arrival,” he continued, “he will add quality, experience and versatility - which I like - to the squad.

“The fans should be really excited about seeing him play.”

The young coach also revealed that he has spoken to the player, and that Ayew himself confirmed some of the reasons why he made the somewhat surprising choice to move to Swansea.

“When I spoke to him recently he was very football motivated and felt Swansea was the right club for him at the moment to develop his game and progress his career,” Monk continued.

“We also felt he was the right fit for this club, so both parties are more than happy.’’

Major clubs across Europe were linked to the 25-year-old’s signature, with transfer speculation intensifying once Ayew confirmed that he would not be extending his deal at the Stade Velodrome.

Swansea reportedly beat off interest from the likes of West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur to sign the playmaker, while teams such as Liverpool and both Milan clubs were also linked to the player.

AS Roma had looked favourites to sign the Black Star while Newcastle United only ruled themselves out a day before the Swans completed the deal.

Monk acknowledged that the Welsh side had pulled off something of a coup in signing the talented West African.

“I’m extremely pleased we’ve been able to attract someone of Ayew’s quality to this football club,’’ Monk concluded.

“It highlights once again just how far this club has grown year on year, not just in Britain, but globally.”