Ghana midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi has turned down a big-money move to the Premier League, choosing instead to prioritise regular football and his ambitions with the Black Stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to Viaplay, the 20-year-old FC Nordsjaelland standout personally rejected a late approach from an unnamed English top-flight club during the January transfer window. The bid, reported to be worth around €18 million, arrived close to deadline day and underlined the growing interest in the highly rated midfielder.

While Nordsjaelland had initially confirmed rejecting the offer, fresh details reveal that Yirenkyi himself played a decisive role in the decision. The youngster is believed to have opted against the move to ensure consistent playing time in Denmark, a factor he views as crucial to cementing his place in Ghana’s plans for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada.

The sizeable offer reflects Yirenkyi’s rapid rise in European football. He has already made 39 appearances for Nordsjaelland, contributing three goals and six assists, and remains tied to the club until 2030.

Nordsjaelland sporting director Alexander Riget acknowledged the scale of the bid but insisted the club were comfortable holding firm.

“It is clear that €18 million is a lot of money, but if you believe the player is worth more, it’s easy enough to say no,” Riget told Viaplay.

Yirenkyi has earned eight caps for Ghana so far and will be eyeing a spot in the Black Stars squad for the World Cup, where they have been drawn in a challenging group alongside England, Croatia and Panama.