Ayew reunited with former boss Cooper as he signs for Forest

Andrew Ayew has joined Nottingham Forest as a free agent with a contract until the end of the season to reunite with former boss Steve Cooper. 

The pair were an integral part of Swansea’s pushes for promotion which ended with successive defeats in the Championship play-offs in 2020 and 2021. 

Ayew, 33, had most recently played for Al Sadd, scoring 22 times in 39 games in 18 months before the Qatari outfit released him from his contract, meaning he was allowed to find a new club after the transfer deadline.

The Ghana captain, speaking to the Nottingham Forest website, said: “It’s a great feeling to sign for Nottingham Forest. 

“I know how big the club is and I know how much the club means to the city and the fanbase. It’s always been difficult whenever I’ve played against Forest and at The City Ground and I love the stadium. 

“Steve Cooper is someone who knows me very well and knows how to work with me both on and off the pitch. 

“We have a strong relationship, he’s a special coach and a special human being and someone who I really look up to.

“I know what I can bring to the team, I’m ready to give my all and make sure that we are able to stay in the Premier League.”

Despite a strong recruitment drive before their return to the Premier League, Forest were looking to bolster their attacking options in January after injuries to Morgan Gibbs-White and Jesse Lingard.