New Swansea City striker Jordan Ayew will bring some added spark to the club’s attacking weaponry, according to head coach Paul Clement.
The Ghana international – younger brother of former Swan Andre Ayew – moved to the Liberty Stadium on transfer deadline day from Aston Villa for a balance of £5m, with Neil Taylor going in the other direction.
Clement said: “He is a very good acquisition. He’s versatile and dynamic to attack the lines and get in behind defences.
“He will certainly give us something different to what we’ve got and I’m sure his brother has given him the inside track on the club.”
Ayew is currently with Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations. The Black Stars face Cameroon in the semi-final on Thursday, while the final takes place this Sunday.
Taylor is leaving following the signing of left-back Martin Olsson from Norwich City and the Wales defender has revealed he felt it was time to end his seven-year stint with the club.
The former Wrexham player, who made 179 appearances for the Swans, said: “I had two-and-a-half years on my contract at Swansea and I could have stayed there, but I felt this was the right time for me to take on a new challenge.
“It’s not a decision I have taken lightly, but I have thought about it and I feel this is the right move for me. Villa are a massive club and it’s an exciting time to join them.
“There has been a change of management and a big turnaround of players, and the idea is to get back into the Premier League.
“I have a great affinity with Swansea after seven great years and of course it’s difficult to leave. Swansea has been my home. My kids were born in the city and my family has grown there.
“And on the pitch, I feel very privileged to have been part of the most successful years in the club’s history having come from non-league football.
“I would like to thank the fans for all the support they have given me, and for the welcome they gave to my family.”
Taylor fell out of favour under former Swansea manager Francesco Guidolin after he was substituted before half-time at home to Chelsea.
He was in and out of the side under Guidolin’s successor, Bob Bradley, but believes Clement’ appointment is a step in the right direction.
“I can genuinely say that by appointing Paul, the club have definitely got it right. I have seen a change in the short time he and his staff have been at the club and I see Swansea staying up for sure.
“I met Paul this week and told him that I believe the club will be absolutely fine with him in charge. Given my affiliation with Swansea, I will be delighted if that is the case, of course.”
