Jordan Ayew agrees deal with Sheffield United after leaving Leicester

Jordan Ayew has reached a verbal agreement to join Sheffield United in the Championship after leaving Leicester as a free agent, according to Footy-Africa.

The 34-year-old Ghana captain is expected to continue his career in England after choosing the Blades over approaches from the Cypriot league last week. Africafoot had reported that Ayew was keen to remain in a more demanding competition rather than move to Cyprus.

The agreement with Sheffield United was reached on Monday, although the transfer has not yet been formally completed. The club must first create space in its registered squad before Ayew’s contract can be approved.

Championship move preferred

Ayew had been considering several possibilities in the Championship. Talks with Blackburn Rovers failed to produce an agreement, while Burnley ended its interest after completing the signing of Jamie Vardy.

Sheffield United moved quickly when the opportunity to recruit the former Leicester forward became available. The club approached the Ghana international late on Monday and reached an agreement in principle.

However, the deal remains dependent on Sheffield United freeing up one place in its 25-player squad registered for the season. The player’s official signing and the validation of his contract cannot take place until an existing member of the squad leaves.

Ayew’s move would allow him to remain in the English game following his departure from Leicester. He has prioritised continuing in a competitive environment, having rejected offers from Cyprus despite being without a club.

The Ghana captain has spent much of his career in England and would now be set to join Sheffield United, subject to the outstanding administrative requirement. The club’s decision to pursue him came after other Championship options failed to materialise, including the collapsed discussions with Blackburn Rovers and Burnley’s withdrawal following Vardy’s arrival.

Sheffield United are due to face Blackburn in the sixth round of the English Championship in the near future. Listed betting odds for the game have Blackburn Rovers at 2.95 to win, with a draw priced at 3.40 and Sheffield United at 2.28.

Ayew’s proposed arrival therefore remains on hold while Sheffield United adjusts its squad. Once a place is made available, the club will be able to complete the formal process and confirm the Ghana international’s move. Until then, the verbal agreement is the latest step in negotiations rather than an officially announced transfer.