The 2015/2016 transfer window has relatively been one of the best Ghanaian players have enjoyed with players sealing deals with top clubs all around the world. The Premier League, La Liga, Seria A, Bundesliga all have their fair share of Ghanaians who will be aiming to make their mark.
Unfortunately, there were a few Ghanaian names who were expected to join in on the transfer activities but, various reasons, did not. Joy Sports discusses a few of these.
DANIEL AMARTEY
The 21-year old center back broke into the national team set up earlier this year after a string of consistent performances for his Danish side Copenhagen.
A former Inter Allies defender, his good form meant the more established John Boye was kept on the bench during the 2015 AFCON till an Amartey injury in the final group game cut short his stay in the team.
Despite the injury, Amartey impressed at the heart of defence and won many Ghanaians over with his timely tackles and ability to bring the ball out of the back comfortably. He was widely expected to leave Denmark with a reported deal with French giants Olympique Marseille but the transfer fell through at the last hour.
JONATHAN MENSAH
Arguably one of the most consistent defenders in the national team set up in the past five years, he was expected to leave French side Evian - especially after their relegation from Ligue 1 last season. The 2009 World Youth Championships winner was in hot demand this summer, with Scottish giants Celtic among the interested clubs. Recent media reports have linked him with Turkish side Gaziantepspor.
That said, Mensah has renewed his deal with Evian only days ago. We think he really should have moved to a top flight side somewhere in Europe.
EMMANUEL AGYEMANG-BADU
The Udinese midfielder was linked to English Premier League side Stoke City after the departure of Steven Nzonzi at an early part of the summer. Badu has made no secret of his desire to play in England in the past and the Stoke deal proved to be the perfect opportunity to achieve his dream. Surprisingly, talks cooled down in the earlier part of the window and the midfielder is now concentrating on his fifth season at the Stadio Fruili.
CLIFFORD ABOAGYE
Ghana’s star of the last two Fifa Under-20 World Cups is still struggling to command a regular place in the B team of Spanish side Granada.
The skilful midfielder showed glimpses of his brilliance at the World Cup in New Zealand this year and many believed that was the statement he needed to force his way up the footballer ladder.
Unfortunately, Clifford is still rooted with the B-team as little or no interest was shown from around Europe. After a tournament where the likes of Benjamin Tetteh, Godfred Donsah and Yaw Yeboah all acquired new deals, it comes as a surprise Clifford was overlooked.
ALBERT ADOMAH
The Ghanaian winger is fresh off one of his best career seasons after helping his Middlesbrough side reach the Championship play-off final at Wembley. Despite Boro’s failure to get a Premier League slot, Adomah was expected to be in the ongoing Premiership with Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United all linked. He further fueled specualtion by handing in a transfer request, but as things stand, Adomah will still be plying his trade at the Riverside.
KEVIN-PRINCE BOATENG
Once a Ghanaian poster boy, he's now become a pariah of sorts. KPB was expected to join a club this summer after his contract with German club Schalke 04 was terminated.
A combination of contractual differences and poor fitness have cost Kevin a new club as attempts to shunt him to Sporting Lisbon, Al-Ittihad Jeddah and FC Sion have all proven futile. And, to be honest, it's almost been comical.
Sporting said no because they couldn't agree on image rights. Ittihad said he failed a medical, twice. And Sion say they cannot afford the 28-year old's financial demands.
Boateng is contracted to Schalke 04 until 2016 but has been told he has no future with the side.
FRANK ACHEAMPONG
The winger became a more consistent figure of the Black Stars at the turn of the year, gaining a call-up for the AFCON, friendlies in France and the AFCON qualifier against Mauritius.
In addition to this, a highly polished performance against Arsenal in the Champions League group stage meant the winger was high on the radar of some top European clubs. But the former King Fasial player is currently not featuring regularly for his Belgian side which could be the reason for his omission from his current club.
He was expected to leave Anderlecht, at least on loan, in a bid to salvage his international career. It has not happened.
SAMUEL TETTEH
The youngster, known for his blistering pace, made a name for himself at this year's World Youth Championships in New Zealand where he tore Argentina to shreds in a group game.
The competition attracts a lot of scouts with Tetteh’s performance obviously not going unnoticed. It still comes as a surprise the WAFA star has not joined his compatriots abroad.
PATRICK ASMAH
The left back’s scenario is similar to Tetteh’s. Asmah enjoyed a fantastic tournament in New Zealand, where he provided steel and stability on Ghana’s left flank as well as providing an outlet for attack.
With his side, BA United, already relegated from Ghana's top flight, it was just a matter of time before the enterprising defender left the shores of the country. Surprisingly, the only move he has made is to the Black Meteors, and not to a club.
And it's not been for a lack of interest. Several clubs, notably Antalyaspor in Turkey and Switzerland's FC Basel, were reported to be on his case.
KENNEDY ASHIA
The Liberty Professionals attacker has been one of the brightest spots in this year's First Capital Plus Premier League.
Ashia warmed himself into the hearts of Ghanaians as he played an influential part in the Black Satellites’ team that won bronze at the World Cup in Turkey in 2013. Many of his mates, such as Ebenezer Assifuah, Moses Odjer, Michael Anaba and Sediu Salifu have all made the move away from Ghana and have made terrific strides.
Assifuah and Salifu have even gained call-ups to the Black Stars during the year. Ashia, with 11 goals in the league, would be looking for that move outside the country to boost his chances of ever getting a Black Stars callup.
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