The football transfer window across Europe is buzzing with promising Ghanaian talents desperate to earn rave reviews in their respective clubs and firm up their credentials as we head into the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
For many of these players, they have to justify the huge transfer price tag and meet increasing fan expectation at their clubs. Rarely have we seen a transfer window where a lot of Ghanaians have come under the spotlight.
For a player like Andre Ayew, he has to prove himself in a new environment having already excelled in the French Ligue 1. But for the other nine players who make up this list, it’s a different ball game altogether – they have to manage huge expectations in their new clubs or cement their place after a good last season.
Let’s take a look at these 10 Ghanaian players who have a lot to play for this coming season.
- Yaw Yeboah, 18 (Lille, France)
The former Right to Dream Academy product was a delight to watch at the Black Satellites botched U-20 World Cup campaign in New Zealand this year. After excelling in the tournament a host of clubs came calling on the doors of the Manchester City youngster but he opted to join Ligue 1 side Lille on a season long loan.
Reports say despite passing a medical, a deal is yet to be reached with City. With Lille, coached by Renard Herve, a known admirer of Ghanaian youngsters, Yaw Yeboah should expect to be given his chance. Lille could serve as a platform for bigger things for the teenage sensation.
- Benjamin Tetteh, 18, (Standard Liege, Belgium)
The lanky striker was also a product of this year’s U-20 World Cup, scoring in the 3-2 win over Argentina. The former Dreams FC attacker did not achieve much success compared to former U-20 stars like Dominic Adiyiah, Ransford Osei etc and at the Belgian Pro League side, the 18-year-old would have to hit the ground running.
Standard Liege shipped out its underperforming Japanese striker, Yuji Ono after scoring just a goal in his two year stay. Benjamin Tetteh will obviously feel the pressure on his young shoulders in a league well-known for serving as breakthrough for many youngsters.
- Albert Adomah, 27, (Middlesbrough, England)
At 27 years, Albert Danquah Adomah is arguably at the peak of his career. Last season he was instrumental in his side’s charge for Premier League qualification losing in the playoffs final to the Canaries.
Earlier he was linked to Newcastle United but the deal fell through and he’s expected to reproduce last season’s performance if his team is to make EPL qualification. His chances of playing top flight football is ticking by the season; a good performance will engineer a move away or shoot Boro to the EPL, whichever way, he has all to play for.
- Afriyie Acquah, 23, (Torino, Italy)
The defensive midfielder has not quite taken off. Many who have been following his exploits in the Serie A believe that his best is yet to come. He has had stints here and there, and will be glad he’s back to Italy on a permanent basis having initially signed for TSG Hoffenheim and loaned out to Palermo.
At Torino, Afriyie Acquah will not only bring his knowledge of the Italian game on display but also look forward to fulfill his full potential. He’s not short of admirers from the Premier League, but having waited for close to two years to get their man, Toro will hope he helps them to survive the drop and may be cash in on him.
- Baba Rahman, 21 (Augsburg, Germany)
At one point he was going to Roma. Then Chelsea. Then he’s staying in the Bundesliga. A move to the premier league champions for the former Asante Kotoko star will signal a significant step in his young career.
For opponents of the EPL move, the story of Christian Atsu should always serve as a deterrent to him. They say game time will be hard to come by, rightly so when he’s to compete with Cesar Azcpilicueta for the left back position.
Nevertheless should he move, it will be test of his character in the world’s most marketed league. However, if he opts to stay, he would have to justify the quality that saw him being linked to the former European champions.
- Thomas Teye Partey, 22, (Atletico Madrid, Spain)
After such a fine season playing for RCD Almeria, on loan from Atletico Madrid, many thought he deserved a Black Stars call-up. In fact he did more to impress the Stars’ handlers. In the game against Barcelona, he scored an amazing superb bicycle kick goal only to be disallowed as offside.
He’s gone back to the Spanish capital now and Diego Simeone’s side will definitely have plenty of use for Partey. He will have to play above himself if he’s to break into the first team of Atletico.
He knows he’s earned a chance to impress, and that’s the only option he has.
- Christian Atsu, 23, (Bournemouth, England)
The Afcon 2015 best player has shown enough promise in the national team jersey but the same cannot be said when he’s on club duty. He did fine on loan to Vittese from Chelsea. At Everton, he rarely made the bench not to mention the starting 11.
The Cherries, having secured qualification to EPL, will find the services of Christian Atsu quite useful granted he maintains a consistent fitness level. It’s safe to say, Atsu’s future lies away from Stamford Bridge and loan deals like this should be enough to entice potential employers.
- Bernard Mensah, 20, (Getafe, Spain)
One of the most sought after prospects in Europe, Bernard Mensah opted to join Atletico Madrid despite an interest from another La Liga side, Valencia. The attacking midfielder had a brilliant season at Portuguese side Victoria Guimaraes before capping it with a superb goal on his Black Stars debut.
After signing for Atletico, he was immediately loaned out to fellow La Liga side, Getafe.
Last season, Alvaro Vasquez, Getafe’s top striker managed only 8 goals but as an attacking midfielder, Bernard got 5 goals which signals that there’s a lot the Ghanaian will bring to the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez.
- Jordan Ayew, 23, (Aston Villa, England)
It’s the desire of most footballers to play in the majestic EPL. That includes Jordan Ayew, too. The son of the maestro, Abedi Ayew Pele, was the main reason why Lorient survived the drop last season, scoring 12 goals in all competitions.
Declared surplus to requirements at Marseille, barely a year after he has signed for Aston Villa – that’s some fairy tale. But Jordan has a lot of maturing to do if he’s to fill the boots of Christian Benteke.
He’s no longer the young lad he sees himself to be and the English press will not spare him their usual vitriol if he fails to perform. He will look forward to seize the moment, repay the faith paid in him by Tim Sherwood.
- Andre Morgan Rami Ayew, 25, (Swansea, England)
It was long in coming. Everyone expected it. But no one saw Swansea City landing Dede Ayew, especially when the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham City have all been put in the mix. But at Swansea, Dede Ayew has chosen a path where his career has only one way to go, upwards.
Swansea’s record finish in the league last season can only be better and in Dede Ayew they have a player who has starred in two World Cups, 5 Afcon tourneys – and won a lot of hearts with the sheer passion he plays with.
When the EPL starts, many eyes will be on Dede Ayew. If there’s one man who knows how to silence his critics that man has got to be Dede Ayew. That’s what he’s all about.
By Richard Annerquaye Abbey
The author blogs at annerquaye.com