New signing Yasin Ayari has revealed how he followed Coventry City’s progress closely last season thanks to Viktor Gyokeres.
Ayari has joined the Sky Blues on a season-long loan from Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion. And he says he cannot wait to get going.
The 19-year-old midfielder was impressed by what he saw of Mark Robins’ side last term as they reached the Championship play-off final. Gyokeres’ goals were a big part of that but the striker was sold to Sporting Lisbon in a £20million deal this summer.
Like Ayari, Gyokeres arrived at Coventry from Brighton – but their time on the south coast did not overlap, with Ayari only signing for the Seagulls from Swedish side AIK in January. However, they are international teammates for Sweden.
“I’ve been watching because of Viktor (Gyokeres) and I watched bits of last season when they did really well and I really like the style of play,” Ayari told the club’s official website. “He’s a really good player and he showed it last year and he showed the club is doing a really good job and it wasn’t a hard decision for me to come here.”
Ayari added: “I think it’s an amazing club with amazing fans and when I spoke to the coach I fell in love with the style of play.”
The young Swede, who made three Premier League appearances for Brighton last term, is particularly relishing the prospect of playing at the Coventry Building Society Arena. He said: “I’m really excited, I’ve been waiting for this (play at the CBS Arena) since I found out about the move and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Ayari has become Coventry’s 10 signing of the summer so far. Describing what he will bring to the team, he said: “I’m a midfielder who likes to have the ball and I like to drive, and I like to score goals and make assists and defend.”
Ayari believes this loan move can be beneficial for both parties. “England is good,” he said. “The Premier League is the best in the world, so this is the best place to develop and play football.
“I’ve decided to come on loan to Coventry because I think it’s the right move for me to develop and become a better player.”