Official: Kouyaté to West Ham

It's official now: Kouyaté signed for West Ham and leaves Anderlecht after six excellent seasons. The 24 year old midfielder had the choice between Valencia and West Ham and eventually chose to cross the Channel.


Kouyaté arrived in Anderlecht six years ago and made his debut as a midfielder. He excelled thanks to his physical power, thoroughness and game insight. After a while, he was used as a central defender and formed a strong defensive line with Nuytinck or Mbemba. At the end of the last season, he moved back to his original position on the midfield to assist the young Tielemans and Praet.

His excellent performances did not go unnoticed. Valencia tried to land the player and for a while a transfer seemed close. Until West Ham got involved. Kouyaté saw the chance of a lifetime to realise his dream and play in the Premier League. Soon he was spotted on the Eurostar on his way to Londen, while Anderlecht also made an attempt to convince him with an improved contract.

When Valencia was unable to prove their financial solvability, West Ham remained. Kouyaté passed the medical tests on Monday and arranged the last details yesterday. Meanwhile he said his goodbyes to the fans on Facebook. Today the transfer was made official: he signed for four years.

The transfer fee remains unknown, but is probably somewhere between 8,5 and 9 million euro. 20% of that amount goes to his managers. The remaining part can be used by Anderlecht to find an alternative. After Bruno, Kouyaté is already the second important player to leave Anderlecht...

From the Anderlecht fans: "Cheikhou, we hate to see you leave. But thanks for everything and we wish you the very best! Don't forget to come and watch one of our games now and then!"