by Silas Boahene | Jul 18, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
In a notable move during the summer transfer window, Ghanaian midfielder Ibrahim Sulemana has sealed a transfer to Atalanta Bergamo Calcio, the reigning Europa League champions.
The 21-year-old joins Atalanta from Cagliari, marking a significant step in his career ahead of the upcoming 2024/25 season.
Sulemana has established himself as one of Serie A’s standout young talents since his arrival in Italy in 2021, initially with Hellas Verona before moving to Cagliari. His contributions, including a crucial goal that secured Hellas Verona’s survival in the 2022 playoffs against Spezia, highlight his impact as a hardworking defensive midfielder.
Having garnered attention from several top European clubs due to his performances, Atalanta moved swiftly to secure his services.
Sulemana will now join his new teammates for pre-season preparations as Atalanta gears up for a demanding season, starting with a Super Cup clash against Real Madrid. Additionally, Atalanta will compete in the UEFA Champions League following their Europa League triumph last season.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 18, 2024 | Africa, International, Soccer
Ghanaian forward Jonathan Sowah showcased his scoring prowess once more for Al-Nasr Benghazi, helping them maintain an unbeaten streak in the Libyan Premier League Championship round.
In a recent match against Al Ahly Tripoli, Sowah, formerly of Medeama SC, secured a 2-0 victory with a late goal, following an earlier strike by midfielder Al-Gozoli Nooh.
With just three more points needed to clinch the championship title, Sowah and his teammates are on the verge of achieving glory in Libya.
Since transferring from Medeama, where he was a standout performer in their Ghana Premier League-winning campaign, Sowah has continued to impress with seven goals for Al-Nasr, solidifying his reputation as a prolific striker.
Despite his stellar form, Sowah was surprisingly left out of the Black Stars squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Nonetheless, coach Otto Addo continues to monitor his performances closely, with Sowah aiming to earn a national team recall through his continued goal-scoring exploits.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 18, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has released the schedule for the upcoming 2024-25 football season competitions.
According to the Competitions Department of the GFA, clubs participating in the Ghana Premier League (GPL), Women’s Premier League (WPL), and Division One League (DOL) must submit their strips by August 15, 2024. Squad lists for these leagues are due no later than August 17, 2024.
Furthermore, the Competitions Management System (CMS) will close for squad list uploads on August 30, 2024.
The GFA had opened the window for the 2024/25 football season on June 10, 2024, inviting all affiliate clubs to participate.
The Premier League season is set to commence on September 6, 2024, marking the start of another exciting campaign following the conclusion of the 2023/24 season on June 16, 2024.
by Silas Boahene | Jul 18, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Southampton winger Kamaldeen Sulemana is weighing his options as he looks to secure more playing time amid uncertainty over his future at the club.
The 21-year-old’s limited opportunities on the field have prompted him to consider leaving Southampton.
Several top European clubs, including AS Roma, Nice, and Ajax, have shown interest in signing Sulemana. However, negotiations have hit a snag due to Southampton’s insistence on a hefty £30 million release clause.
This high price tag has posed a significant hurdle for potential permanent transfers to materialize.
In response, Sulemana is open to exploring a loan deal that includes an option for a permanent transfer. This arrangement would allow him to regain regular playing minutes and potentially lower Southampton’s asking price in the future.
French clubs Lille and Marseille have also entered the race, with OGC Nice previously proposing a loan deal with a mandatory purchase clause, which Southampton turned down.
Sulemana, who joined Southampton for a club-record fee of £22 million from Stade Rennes two seasons ago, has struggled to adapt to English football. Despite this, his contributions were instrumental in Southampton’s promotion back to the Premier League, albeit with limited game time.
Currently under contract with Southampton until 2027, Sulemana faces a pivotal decision in the coming weeks. Will he opt to stay and compete for a place in Southampton’s squad, or will a loan move to another club provide him with the platform to showcase his talents and reignite his Premier League ambitions?
by Silas Boahene | Jul 18, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
AZ Alkmaar has made a bold decision regarding their goalkeeper position, prioritizing the development of young talent over experience.
Confirming the move, Sporting Director Max Huiberts announced that Dutch-born Ghanaian Rome Jayden Owusu-Oduro will lead AZ Alkmaar as their first-choice goalkeeper in the upcoming season, despite the recent arrival of veteran Jeroen Zoet.
Owusu-Oduro’s journey began at DVC Buiksloot before he joined AZ Alkmaar’s youth system at the age of 12.
His dedication paid off with his first professional contract in October 2020. At just 20 years old, he has already gained valuable experience in both the Eerste Divisie and UEFA Europa Conference League.
Acknowledging Zoet’s extensive experience with nearly 400 professional matches, Huiberts emphasized the club’s confidence in Owusu-Oduro’s potential: “Following Maty’s departure, Rome-Jayden has been given the opportunity as our first goalkeeper. We have complete trust in him.”
Far from seeing Zoet’s arrival as a threat, AZ Alkmaar views it as a positive influence. Huiberts noted, “Having Jeroen behind him is beneficial. At 33, he remains in top form and is eager to contribute.”
Zoet’s commitment to improvement is evident in his daily efforts. “Jeroen works hard every day to enhance his skills and is motivated to achieve his goals,” Huiberts remarked. “His presence will keep the competition sharp and help both goalkeepers improve.”
AZ Alkmaar’s decision underscores their strategy of nurturing young talent while strategically integrating experienced players.
Owusu-Oduro now has the opportunity to establish himself as the starting goalkeeper, with Zoet providing valuable support and fostering healthy competition within the team.
