Middlesbrough have completed the signing of highly rated Ghanaian youngster Hinneh Lord Listowell, with the Championship club awaiting the final processing of the forward’s visa before making the move official.
The 18-year-old attacker is expected to initially link up with Boro’s Under-21 side under coach Mark Tinkler, having impressed the club’s recruitment team during extensive scouting and previous trial spells.
Listowell arrives from Ghana Premier League giants Asante Kotoko, whom he joined last summer. Despite his young age, he has already tasted first-team football, featuring in both domestic league matches and the CAF Confederation Cup, Africa’s equivalent of the UEFA Europa League.
A product of the Samba Stars Academy in Ghana — part-owned by former West Ham United striker Michail Antonio — Listowell has been on Middlesbrough’s radar for some time. He spent two trial periods at Rockliffe last season, after which Boro opted to monitor his development rather than move immediately.
That patience now appears to be paying off. It is understood that head of recruitment Chris Jones and academy recruitment lead Martin Carter have both watched the teenager in person, leading to the decision to bring him to Teesside on a permanent basis.
Listowell has also previously had a trial with Premier League side Wolves, underlining the growing interest in his potential. Samba Stars Academy describe him as a player with “exceptional ball control, vision and work rate,” while Boro sources see him as a pacey, direct wide forward with a fearless approach in possession.
Once his visa is approved, Listowell will officially begin his Middlesbrough journey, where the club hopes his raw talent and athleticism can be refined into a future first-team asset.
