2002: Jay-Jay Okocha joins Bolton
Nigerian playmaker Jay-Jay Okocha joined Bolton Wanderers on a free transfer from Paris Saint Germain.
Okocha, who played for Nigeria in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, established himself as an integral part of Sam Allardyce’s team in four years at Bolton.
He scored seven goals, including a wonder strike against West Ham United, as Bolton stayed up at the Hammers’ expense in 2002/03.
He went on to score 14 goals and provide 11 assists in 124 Premier League matches for the Trotters, helping them finish in the top eight in each of his final three seasons at the club.
2014: West Ham sign Cheikhou Kouyate
Senegal international Cheikhou Kouyate joined West Ham United from Anderlecht.
The central midfielder won four league titles with the Belgian club.
Kouyate scored four goals in 31 appearances during his debut Premier League season, helping the Hammers finish 12th. West Ham earned seventh position the following season.
Kouyate made 30+ appearances in each of his first four seasons for the Londoners, scoring 12 goals in 129 outings.
