Ghana international Andre Ayew has earned a nomination for the PFA Bristol Street Motors Championship Player of the Month Award for December 2019, recognizing his outstanding contributions to Swansea City’s rise in the English Championship.
The 30-year-old Swans vice-captain scored five goals from just 10 shots on target across six appearances, helping the Welsh club secure a 1-0 victory over Charlton on January 2, 2020, to claim a play-off spot after 26 matches.
Competing with English Talent
Ayew is joined by five English nominees: Luke Ayling (Leeds United), Sam Johnstone (West Brom), Tom Lees (Sheffield Wednesday), Lee Tomlin (Cardiff City), and Jed Wallace (Millwall). His nomination highlights his pivotal role in Swansea’s campaign, with 11 goals in 25 appearances across all competitions in the 2019-20 season, drawing attention from Premier League clubs, including former side West Ham United.
Commitment to Swansea
Despite transfer speculation, Ayew, who joined Swansea permanently in 2018 after a loan stint, dismissed talk of leaving in December 2019. “I’m focused on Swansea and giving my all,” he told BBC Sport Wales, emphasizing his dedication to the club’s promotion push.
His leadership and clinical finishing have been vital, especially amid the economic strain on football clubs due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw global sports revenues drop significantly in 2020.
Ayew’s Rising Profile
Ayew’s performances reflect his versatility and experience, honed during stints at Marseille, West Ham, and Fenerbahce. His 110 caps for Ghana’s Black Stars and leadership as captain further underscore his stature. Posts on X in 2020 praised his work rate, with fans noting his “relentless energy” as key to Swansea’s success. A 2023 report highlighted his continued impact, scoring 18 goals in the 2022-23 season, cementing his status as a Championship standout.
Championship Context
Swansea’s play-off position aligns with the competitive 2019-20 Championship season, where Leeds and West Brom led the race for Premier League promotion.
Ayew’s nomination, voted on by fans via the PFA website, underscores his growing influence in a league hit hard by Covid-19 disruptions, with clubs facing financial pressures as noted in regional reports like the Ghana Statistical Service’s survey on business closures.
