Official: Kouyate departs West Ham

West Ham has confirmed that Cheikhou Kouyate has joined Crystal Palace on a permanent four-year contract for an undisclosed fee thought to be worth £9.5m plus a further £1.5m of add-ons.  The Senegal international leaves the Hammers having made 147 appearances and scored 15 goals across four seasons.

The midfielder joined from Belgian club Anderlecht for £7m in summer 2014 and was part of the side which qualified for European football in both 2015 and 2016.

Speaking to Palace TV, he said: “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 teammates. 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.

“I spoke to the manager and I know he’ll be a good manager. 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.”