Cheikhou Kouyate ready for Palace challenge
August 2, 2018
Cheikhou Kouyate believes the time was right to leave West Ham and he is looking forward to his new challenge at Crystal Palace.
The Senegal international completed his move across London on Wednesday and he has joined the Eagles on a four-year deal for a reported £9.5million.
Kouyate will bring a wealth of Premier League experience to Selhurst Park, as he scored 12 goals in 129 appearances for West Ham after joining them from Anderlecht during the summer of 2014.
The 28-year-old was also a regular in the Hammers team last season, but there has been a number of new arrivals at the London Stadium during the summer and he feels the time was right to move on. “I’m so happy.
It’s been a long day but now everything is good and I’m very excited to start with my new team-mates,” Kouyate told Palace TV.
“This is the right time to move because I needed a new challenge. I have good memories of West Ham but I need to come here and give my best because I like the Crystal Palace project.”
Kouyate admits he has only heard good things about playing for Palace and he is looking forward to working under manager Roy Hodgson. “I spoke to the manager and I know he’ll be a good manager,” the midfielder added.
“I also spoke to Pape Souare yesterday and he told me I had to come and now I’m here and I’m very happy.”
Palace are also closing in on the signing of German international Max Meyer, who is available on a free transfer after leaving Schalke at the end of last season.
The Eagles finished 11th in the Premier League last term, despite struggling for much of the campaign, and they are priced at 6.50 to be relegated this season.
