Matthew Amoah reveals behind-the-scenes role in André Ayew’s move to NAC Breda

Former Ghana international Matthew Amoah has shed light on the role he played in the club’s decision to sign André Ayew, describing his involvement as modest but crucial in assessing the forward’s readiness before the move was completed.

Speaking in an interview, Amoah explained that although he was not directly involved in negotiations, the club’s hierarchy sought his professional opinion once reports linking Ayew with a move to NAC Breda began circulating.

“It was only 10 percent, but it was literally one of the major ones because I was consulted by the club hierarchy about his fitness and condition after rumors of his transfer broke in the airwaves,” Amoah revealed.

As a former top-level striker and a key member of NAC Breda’s coaching staff responsible for developing and training the team’s forwards and attacking unit, Amoah’s assessment carried significant weight. He noted that he had been closely monitoring Ayew’s physical condition through training footage from Ghana.

“I then told them he was quite fit because I saw most of his training videos at his dad’s club, Nania FC, with other teammates like Wakaso and others,” he explained.

Amoah was, however, careful to distinguish between general fitness and match sharpness, advising the club to be realistic in their expectations of the experienced attacker.

“So I told the team authorities he could be fit but not match-fit, so we could condition him if we are able to secure his signature and get him ready to help us.” he added.

Ayew, who had been without a club for several months, eventually joined NAC Breda and has since begun integrating into the squad, with his experience and leadership already evident on and off the pitch.