Several Ghanaian Players Make Moves as Busy Summer Transfer Window Closes in Europe
The summer transfer window has closed with several Ghanaian players securing moves across Europe and beyond, as established internationals and emerging talents begin new chapters at clubs in some of the continent’s biggest leagues.
One of the notable moves saw Ghana midfielder Ibrahim Sulemana leave Atalanta for US Sassuolo Calcio on a season-long loan. The temporary switch offers Sulemana an opportunity to secure regular playing time and continue his development in Serie A.
Caleb Yirenkyi also made a significant move, joining English Championship side Coventry City from Danish club FC Nordsjælland. The transfer takes the promising midfielder into English football as he looks to establish himself at a higher level.
Ghana winger Fatawu Issahaku moved from Leicester City to Ipswich Town, while Kojo Oppong Peprah left French club OGC Nice for Turkish giants Fenerbahçe.
Experienced midfielder Thomas Partey also found a new home after departing Villarreal. The former Ghana captain joined Saudi Arabian club Al Shabab on a free transfer, bringing considerable experience from his years in European football.
There was further movement among Ghanaian defenders, with Gideon Mensah leaving Auxerre for German club FC Köln on a free transfer. His former Auxerre teammate Elisha Owusu also departed the French side, joining Erzurumspor in Turkey.
Abdul Mumin remained in Spain after completing a free transfer from Rayo Vallecano to Girona, while Nicholas Opoku left Turkish club Kasımpaşa for UD Las Palmas on a free transfer.
Several other Ghanaian players also secured moves outside Europe’s major leagues. Fuseini Mohammed joined Derby County from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise on loan, while Derrick Luckasson switched from Pafos to Serbian powerhouse Red Star Belgrade.
Kwasi Sibo left Real Oviedo for Al Swehly Club on a free transfer, adding another destination to the growing list of clubs employing Ghanaian players.
The window was particularly significant for some of Ghana’s younger prospects.
Jerry Afriyie moved from Saudi Arabian club Al Qadsiah to Belgian side Genk, while Joseph Opoku left Zulte Waregem for Swansea City.
One of the biggest moves involving a young Ghanaian was Oscar Naasei’s transfer from Granada to Spanish giants Real Madrid. Naasei is expected to continue his development with Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s reserve side, where he will be given time to mature before making the push for a place in the first team.
Another eye-catching deal involved Aziz Issah, who completed a permanent move from Dreams FC to FC Barcelona. The Ghanaian spent the previous two seasons on loan at Barcelona, playing for the club’s B team, before making the switch permanent this summer.
His move represents a significant vote of confidence from Barcelona and gives the young Ghanaian the opportunity to continue his development within one of the world’s most renowned football structures.
Meanwhile, Tariq Lamptey also secured a new club after terminating his contract with Fiorentina. The Ghana international subsequently joined Queens Park Rangers, giving him an opportunity to revive his career in England.
The breadth of the movements reflects the growing presence of Ghanaian footballers across different European leagues and emerging football markets. While established players such as Partey, Lamptey and Mensah will be looking to make immediate contributions at their new clubs, younger players such as Naasei, Aziz Issah, Yirenkyi and Afriyie have taken important steps in their development.
With the transfer window now closed, the challenge for the players is no longer finding new clubs but turning these moves into regular football, strong performances and, ultimately, greater opportunities with the Ghana national team.