Andre Ayew: Boss Cooper to keep forward in Swansea’s plans

Steve Cooper is hoping £18m record signing Andre Ayew will play a part at Swansea City this season.

Ayew, 29, was given an extended a break following the Africa Cup of Nations, but returned to Wales this week.

The Ghana forward spent last term on loan at Fenerbahce and was expected to leave once more this summer, but he remains a Swan for now.

“I look forward to working with Andre and hopefully he can play a part,” Cooper said.

The Swansea boss accepts there is “a bit of recent history” between Ayew and Spanish striker Borja – two high profile players whose Liberty Stadium game-time has been limited.

“I can have an understanding of that, but (will) focus on going forward,” said Cooper.

“For me the first part of the process with Andre was to have a conversation this week which went very well and I’m looking forward to him joining the training group on Sunday. Like everyone else, we work from there.”

Highest earner

Ayew impressed after joining Swansea in 2015, with his form earning him a £20.5m move to West Ham in 2016.

He returned to Swansea in a club-record deal in January 2018, but could not save them from Premier League relegation and joined Fenerbahce on loan in July, 2018.

Andre Ayew is Swansea’s highest earner and could still leave if the club receive an offer from abroad in the next few weeks, but for the moment he is set to remain at the Liberty Stadium.

“He’s had to do his testing and get himself up to speed,” Cooper added.

“We need to make sure the performance staff are aware of where he’s at physically and mentally as well.”