The 22-year-old defender of Ghanaian roots has been retained by the Austrian top division campaigners following his successful season-long loan spell in the just ended campaign
French-born Ghanaian defender Beres Owusu has permanently joined Austrian Bundesliga club Grazer AK from French Ligue 2 side AS Saint-Étienne on a three-year contract, the club have announced.
The former Quevilly - Rouen Métropole loanee, who joined the Merkur-Arena outfit on a season-long loan in the summer of 2025, has now seen his services being secured on a permanent basis by the Reds after excelling during his loan spell throughout the season.
A statement confirming his permanent move to the Austrian outfit read: ''It's official as of today: GAK has exercised its option to buy Beres Owusu and has signed the Frenchman until 2029! When the 22-year-old center-back was signed from the French fifth division last August on loan with an option to buy, very little was known about him. However, Beres Owusu quickly proved himself a reliable addition to the defense. Of 32 Bundesliga matches, he only missed the away game in Tyrol due to a yellow card suspension; he wasn't even in the starting lineup for the season opener against Austria Vienna. In the other 30 matches, Owusu played every single minute and was one of the most consistent performers in Ferdinand Feldhofer's team.
''The purchase option was a logical conclusion for GAK. With the permanent signing of Beres Owusu, a contract between the club and the player comes into effect until 2029. Glad you're staying a Red, Beres!''
The Ghana-prospect centre-back has told the club's official website: ''"When I arrived in Graz, I didn't really know what to expect. However, from the very first second, I felt very comfortable and got along well with my teammates and the coaching staff. The season was very demanding, but we all pulled together and ultimately deservedly secured our place in the league. I'm delighted that the club continues to have faith in me and has exercised its option to buy me.''
Sporting director Tino Wawra added: ''Even though it's a large sum for GAK, it was always clear that we would exercise our option on a player like this if it was financially feasible. With his physique, Beres is an exceptional player for Austria, and as of today, he's obviously a major asset for GAK. However, I also wouldn't mind if he wore the red jersey for another season or two."
Given his Ghanaian heritage, the Paris-born native is remains fit to switch nationality and represent the Ghana national football team at the senior level after revealing his aspiration to play for the Black Stars team in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
