by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 4, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed Kudus, currently enjoying a solid campaign with West Ham United in the Premier League, has credited his family as the biggest inspiration in his football journey.
In a Q&A session with West Ham fans, the Black Stars star shared how his family has been his unwavering support system through both highs and lows.
“I would say my family because they support me regardless of whether I’m scoring or not or playing well or not,” Kudus revealed.
The 24-year-old has always maintained a close bond with his family, even flying them to England for his West Ham unveiling. His mother, in particular, has been a consistent presence at his games, including during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Kudus’ performances this season, with three goals and an assist in 13 Premier League matches, have caught the eye of top English clubs. Arsenal is reportedly preparing a January bid for the versatile Ghanaian, while Liverpool has also been linked with him.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 4, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Antoine Semenyo believes Bournemouth’s underdog mentality has been the secret to their extraordinary rise in the Premier League. Speaking candidly about the team’s mindset, the forward credits their record-breaking performances to relentless preparation and a refusal to rest on their laurels.
In 2024, Bournemouth shattered expectations, achieving a record Premier League points tally in the 2023/24 season and outperforming their first-half totals this campaign. Despite their success, Semenyo insists the team still carries the chip of an underdog on their shoulders.
“I think we still feel like we’re underdogs, and we go into every game feeling normal,” Semenyo explained. “We make sure our habits are right, whether it’s pressing, defending, or our shape. We work on these things massively during the week.”
This diligent preparation has fueled a fearless approach on matchdays. “Whether or not we’re labeled underdogs, we’re always ruthless. We press, we hunt, and we make it uncomfortable for teams. That mentality gives us energy to push forward.”
Bournemouth’s transformation into a Premier League powerhouse has been nothing short of remarkable. With players like Semenyo embodying their dogged spirit, the Cherries have proved they belong among England’s elite, solidifying their place as one of the most cohesive and dangerous sides in the league.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 4, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
A Rising Star on Atletico’s Radar
Atletico Madrid has set its sights on Swedish-born Ghanaian defender Isak Malcolm Kwaku Hien, whose stellar performances for Atalanta have garnered widespread attention across Europe.
The 25-year-old center-back joined Atalanta in January 2024 from Hellas Verona and has since become an indispensable figure in Gian Piero Gasperini’s squad. His commanding presence in defense and consistent displays played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s triumphant UEFA Europa League campaign, where they defeated Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in the final.
Reports suggest Atletico Madrid is eager to secure the services of the highly-rated defender during the summer transfer window. However, Atalanta is reluctant to part ways with their defensive stalwart, who is currently valued at €40 million and under contract until 2028.
Hien has made 22 appearances for Atalanta across all competitions this season, further cementing his reputation as one of Europe’s rising defensive talents.
While Atletico Madrid seeks to bolster their backline, it remains to be seen if they can tempt Atalanta into letting go of their prized asset.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 4, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Swiss Super League club FC Basel have announced that Ghana midfielder Emmanuel Essiam will be loaned to Swiss second-tier side FC Aarau until the end of the current season.
The 21-year-old has faced challenges integrating into Basel’s first team this year due to a series of injuries.
In an effort to gain valuable match experience, the club has opted to send him to Aarau, where he will have the opportunity to play regularly.
Importantly, there is no option to buy included in the loan agreement, as Essiam is contracted with Basel until 2028.
Essiam joined Basel from Ghana in early 2022 and was previously loaned to Stade-Lausanne-Ouchy from September 2023 to January 2024. His move to Aarau is seen as a crucial step in his development.
Commenting on the acquisition, Aarau’s sports director, Elsad Zverotic, expressed enthusiasm about the transfer, praising the quality the Ghanaian possesses.
“Emmanuel is a dynamic, strong, box-to-box midfielder. He will strengthen our midfield with his footballing qualities in the second half of the season. At the same time, we can immediately fill the gap left by Milot Avdyli’s departure.”
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 4, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
A Promising Talent Eyes Revival in Swiss Second-Tier
FC Aarau has bolstered their midfield with the acquisition of Ghanaian youngster Emmanuel Essiam on loan from FC Basel. The 21-year-old will spend the remainder of the season with the Swiss Challenge League side, aiming to regain form and confidence after a challenging spell at Basel.
The move was confirmed on Friday, January 3, 2025, and comes as a lifeline for Essiam, who has struggled to secure regular playing time this season due to injuries. FC Aarau’s sporting director, Elsad Zverotic, expressed his optimism about the signing, describing Essiam as a “dynamic, strong, box-to-box midfielder” who will fill the void left by the departure of Milot Avdyli.
“Emmanuel will strengthen our midfield with his footballing qualities in the second half of the season. He’s an exciting talent with a lot to offer,” Zverotic remarked.
Essiam joined FC Basel in 2022 but has faced hurdles in cementing a spot in the first team. He previously gained experience on loan at Stade-Lausanne-Ouchy from September 2023 to January 2024. The current loan deal does not include an option to buy, as the midfielder remains contracted to Basel until 2028.
For Essiam, this move represents a crucial opportunity to prove his potential and rediscover his rhythm in competitive football.
