The West Ham United star cost a fraction of that price when West Ham signed him.
The agent in charge of West Ham United midfielder Cheikou Kouyate’s representative company has commented on the value of the player – in relation to Liverpool’s apparent interest in Anderlecht midfielder Dennis Praet.
Jacques Lichtenstein was speaking to L’Avenir when he mentioned how Anderlecht were struggling to sell attacking midfielder Praet – despite winning the Golden Boot in Belgian football.
West Ham’s Cheikhou Kouyate celebrates scoring their second goal
He used West Ham midfielder Kouyate as the prime example of how values can be skewed in Belgium. Liechtenstein, who is the director of Kouyate’s agency Eleven Management, had this to say about the rise of the Senegalese midfielder’s transfer value:
“As a scout from Liverpool makes a positive report about Dennis Praet, which is important. He has won the Golden Boot, is not important.
“Cheikhou Kouyaté is the perfect example. He was never in the top five and he was 8 million euro (£6.8 million) sold to West Ham United. He is now worth 25 (£21.3 million).”
There is no doubt that West Ham have got value for money with the midfield enforcer.
West Ham United’s Cheikhou Kouyate
Not only has he proved a consistent and valuable member of the West Ham first-team but he has also managed to be a flexible squad member, playing at centre-back when needed under Slaven Bilic’s management.
Kouyate, who was often linked with a move to the Premier League prior to the West Ham switch, has certainly proven himself to be a bargain buy for the London club.
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