Cheikhou Kouyate joins Nottingham Forest on a free transfer | OneFootball

Former Crystal Palace midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate has signed a contract with Nottingham Forest, according to the club’s official website.

Steve Cooper has been relentless in the transfer market this summer, bringing in a plethora of new players to deal with life back in the Premier League after 23 years.

Kouyate emerged as a new target for the Reds when the 32-year-old left Palace earlier in the summer after his contract at Selhurst Park expired.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the Senegalese has agreed to join Forest on a deal valid until 2025, having completed medical examinations.

Kouyate is a shrewd acquisition for Cooper’s side. The Africa Cup of Nations winner has racked up 288 Premier League appearances across spells with West Ham United and Palace.

That level of experience would be priceless for Cooper, whose squad is filled with players who are tasting top-flight action for the first time.

Kouyate will prove a calming figure while providing the muscle required to break up opposition play in the middle of the park.

His total tally of 18 goals and 15 assists in the Premier League shows he is capable of affecting games in the final third while being a physical powerhouse in defensive midfield.

Kouyate joined West Ham from Anderlecht in 2014 and made 147 appearances during a four-year spell with the Hammers before moving to Selhurst Park in 2018.

He also boasts 82 international caps for Senegal and was a part of the squad that lifted the Africa Cup of Nations trophy last year.

He also helped Aliou Cisse’s side qualify for the upcoming World Cup finals in Qatar.

Forest have also been linked with Atalanta midfielder Remo Freuler who is close to moving to the City Ground for £7.6 million.