Transfer frenzy: Hearts, Kotoko, Goldstars battle for top players
Traditional powerhouses, Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko, are reinforcing their squads in a fierce bid to reclaim the league title as the Ghana Premier League’s second registration window edges towards its dramatic close on Wednesday, January 22.
With just three points separating the top six teams, the race for glory promises an exhilarating second half of the season.
Last week, Hearts finally secured the services of former AshantiGold midfielder, Seth Osei, after pursuing him for two seasons.
Currently sitting in sixth place with 29 points, only four behind league leaders Bibiani Gold Stars, the Phobians are poised to mount a serious title challenge.
Osei, renowned for his dazzling dribbling skills and creativity, was instrumental in AshantiGold’s run to the 2020/21 MTN FA Cup final, where they lost to Hearts on penalties.
Despite his undeniable talent, Osei has faced criticism for his history of negotiating moves with Ghanaian clubs only to sign contracts abroad.
His record, however, speaks for itself, with eight goals in 37 competitive matches between 2020 and 2022. His arrival will fill the void left by Saani Mohammed, who joined Danish side AC Horsens on a four-year deal after making 14 appearances for Hearts this season.
Kotoko close to Mintah deal
Asante Kotoko are on the verge of signing prolific striker, Isaac Mintah, who is finalising a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Porcupine Warriors.
His remarkable scoring record—47 goals in 89 matches across all competitions for New Edubiase United and Aduana FC—makes him a critical addition to Kotoko’s injury-hit squad.
The striker has been in lethal form this season, leading the league’s scoring charts with nine goals in 11 matches before leaving Aduana FC.
His expected arrival in Kumasi comes as Kotoko’s Head Coach, Prosper Narteh Ogum, contends with the absence of key players, including top scorer Albert Amoah, goalkeeper Fredrick Asare, and right-back Emmanuel Kotei.
The Porcupine Warriors have already made moves in the window, signing goalkeeper Benjamin Twum and forwards Kwame Opoku and Sampson Eduku. Opoku, who has netted three goals in all competitions, has shown early promise, offering hope to a side battling to reclaim their dominance.
League leaders Bibiani Goldstars have also been active in the transfer market. The Miners have captured former Great Olympics forward Michael Osei on a three-year deal as they look to sharpen their attacking options.
Yesterday, Goldstars devoured Accra Lions 3-0 at Legon to jump to the summit of the league log, and the arrival of Osei will further sharpen the team’s attack.
Meanwhile, Nations FC, in their second season in the top flight, have bolstered their midfield with the addition of former Bechem United playmaker Emmanuel Annor on a three-year contract. Annor has hit the ground running, scoring twice in his first two games and earning a man-of-the-match award.
The Abrankese-based side, who jumped to the second spot on the league log after stunning Heart of Lions 1-0 in Kpando yesterday, are also eyeing Legon Cities left-back Joseph Amoah to help solidify their defence.
Legon Cities, battling to escape the lower reaches of the table, have turned to experience, signing former Asante Kotoko and Aduana FC winger, Emmanuel Gyamfi.
The Royals, who lie deep in the relegation net, are also set to bring back former Hearts left-back Larry Sumaila and are working on re-signing Jonah Attuquaye, who is currently training with Coach Yaw Acheampong’s team.