Dede for Milan as Jordan joins Lorient

After a significant association with French side Olympique Marseille, spanning over three decades, the Ayews family seem to have said goodbye to the former Ligue 1 and European champions, following the departure of the youngest Ayew, Jordan, and with news also rife that his elder brother, Andre Dede, is also on his way out.

Jordan last Monday signed a four-year deal with Lorient and immediately said he was looking forward to fresh challenges in French Ligue 1 with his new club. For Andre Dede, however, he may have to wait a bit more longer to know his fate as he was strongly linked with a move to Italian gaints, AC Milan at the time of going to press yesterday.

Should that deal be sealed, it will end the Ayew’s relationship with the former European champions, a romance which started with their legendary father, Abedi Pele, who attainted cult status with the French club when he won the UEFA Champions League in 1993. 

Even though it took more than a decade before his children would revive the Ayews’ relationship with Marseille, they have played their roles well and now it is time to move on.

Dede, the former Ghana Under-20 captain and Black Stars player has just   a year on his Marseille contract has long been linked with a move away from the French Ligue 1, with English Premier League sides Arsenal and Liverpool reported interested.

However, many Italian newspapers are reportedly that he could soon join his national team mates, Sulley Muntari and Michael Essien at the San Siro.

His agent, Federico Pastorello, was quoted by milannews.it to have told Sky Sports:“Let's talk about a good player, who has done very well with Ghana at the World Cup in Brazil. If he should come to Italy, I would not be surprised to be honest. I think that soon he could land in our league.”

Jordan, however, has chosen to remain in France, despite several offers from elsewhere in Europe, describing the move as “good for my career.”

“With Sochaux having gone on relegation, it was important to get a new club as I don’t want to be a surplus at Marseille. Choosing Lorient was not difficult because they are a progressive side witha fantastic ambition and structures.

“I feel more at home in France and didn’t want to move away. Joining Lorient is the best decision for both career and my social life,” Ayew said.

“I had a great time with Marseille, but I also want to show my maturity by embracing new challenges in the Ligue 1 and I’m really looking forward to this season with my new family”

Jordan, the youngest son of African legend, Abedi Pele began his professional career with Marseille, together with his brother, Andre Dede and spent eight years at the club

“Playing in the Ligue 1 is fantastic and I relish another Ligue 1 opportunity this season. I really want to give of my very best to the club and 

"All I want to do is give my best to the club and hopefully it will be a successful time for everyone associated with the team." 

Jordan, 22, who was with the Stars at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, has 17 caps and five goals for the Black Stars.

He joined Renard Herve’s Sochaux on loan last December  where he spent six months and scored  his five goals in 17 matches.

The young offensive midfielder made his debut in 2009 and scored 14 goals in 111 league matches for Marseille, including four goals in 23 matches for them in European competitions. 

Together with his brother,  they  won the French league title in 2010 and the League Cup in 2010, 2011 and 2012.