West Ham hope to complete the signing of Anderlecht’s Cheikhou Kouyate today or tomorrow following a medical at Holly House Hospital in Buckhurst Hill yesterday.
The medical was confirmed by WHTID author EXEmployee yesterday and an announcement on his signing will probably be made by the Chairman’s son’s Jack Sullivan on twitter later before official confirmation on WHUFC.com some hours later.
The 6’ 4" player is expected to sign a four year deal with West Ham costing an initial fee of £6.8m which is just under Anderlecht valuation of 9 million euros.
The 24 year centre back who can also play in a defensive midfield role was being monitored by a number of clubs across Europe including Valencia, Arsenal, Everton and Manchester City but it now appears West Ham have won the race to sign him..He started his professional career in Brussels coming through the youth ranks before joining Anderlecht in 2008. Kouyaté has made 145 appearances for Anderlecht.
Speaking to an Anderlecht supporter last month called @ForumAnderlecht over twitter he told me “He will not stay [at Anderlecht] Galatasary did an offer and he refused. Valencia did big offer, he doesnt know. He wants premier league. If West Ham pays the same as Valencia,he will choose West Ham I think. If they do offer of 8 m euro’s, he will go”
His last goal came on 15th May away against Waregem in the play off finals where he grabbed the opener on 15 minutes. he was in this same match where he made his miss of the season. Anderlecht went on to win that game 2-1.
Kouyate received 2 red cards and 4 yellows last season so he will have to watch his discipline in the Premier League.
Ironically it appears to be Valencia’s financial troubles which seem to have helped persuade Anderlecht to sell to the hammers. Spanish clubs have a reputation in delaying payment of transfer fees despite giving financial guarantees. The player is also know to have preferred a move to England rather than Spain.
Here is a video of Kouyaté in action