Two Crystal Palace players have gone to Premier League rivals today, with Leicester City snapping up forward Jordan Ayew, while Fulham have completed the signing of Joachim Andersen.
Ayew leaves Selhurst Park after six years at the club, making 212 appearances, scoring 23 goals and providing 22 assists in all competitions in that period.
“As a player, when you hear that the manager wants you, it just makes you want to come and work under him and to try to improve," the Ghanaian said of Leicester boss Steve Cooper on the club website after agreeing to a two-year deal.
"Even though I’m 32, as a player you always want to learn and improve. I’m here to work hard and help the team achieve their targets.”
Ayew is Leicester's fifth senior signing of the summer after Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Caleb Okoli, Facundo Buonanotte and Oliver Skipp.
See: Summer 2024 transfers & news
Leicester are next in action on Saturday, away to Fulham, who have bolstered their defence with the arrival of Andersen.
Happy return for Andersen
The Dane has agreed a five-year contract, with the club having an option to extend by a further season.
Andersen, 28, had a loan spell at Craven Cottage in 2020/21 and even captained them. He becomes their fourth signing of the summer, after Emile Smith Rowe, Jorge Cuenca and Ryan Sessegnon.
They say never fall in love with a loan player... 🤍 pic.twitter.com/GotGV5BGYd
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 23, 2024
Andersen has been capped 36 times by Denmark. He has also played for Copenhagen, Midtjylland, Twente, Sampdoria and Lyon.
Palace signed Andersen in 2021 and he went on to play 113 times for the Eagles.
Thank you, Joachim Andersen 🇩🇰🥰#CPFC pic.twitter.com/DoxAmSef1A
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) August 23, 2024
“Of course, I know the club, I know how Fulham are playing, I know many players, I know some staff, so I didn’t need anyone to convince me because I knew a lot of things already,” Andersen said on Fulham's website.
“I had some good talks with the Manager. I know the playing style he likes to play, so it was just a decision I needed to make myself, with my wife and family, and see what’s the best for me, and I think this is a good step for my career.”
Gundogan back at Man City
Earlier on Friday, Ilkay Gundogan returned to Manchester City from Barcelona.
The midfielder, who departed in 2023 after seven years and five Premier League titles with City, has signed a one-year deal.
