Relegation is every footballer’s worst nightmare — a harsh reminder of football’s unforgiving nature. While the Premier League remains a dream destination for many Ghanaian players, for some, it has become a place of heartache, where dreams have been overshadowed by the sting of demotion.
For a few Ghanaian stars, the pain of relegation has come not once, but multiple times. In this feature, we revisit the names who know that anguish all too well.
Kamaldeen Sulemana – Southampton (2022/23 & 2024/25)
Kamaldeen Sulemana's Premier League journey has been nothing short of turbulent. After joining Southampton from Rennes in January 2023, high hopes were pinned on the Ghanaian winger to help steer the Saints to safety. However, he endured relegation in his debut season as Southampton finished bottom in 2022/23.
Following a swift return to the Premier League, Southampton’s struggles continued. A 3-1 defeat to Tottenham on April 6, 2025, sealed their relegation once again — marking Sulemana’s second in just three seasons at the club.
Jordan Ayew – Aston Villa (2015/16) & Swansea City (2017/18)
Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew holds a unique and unfortunate distinction: he is the only Ghanaian player to have suffered Premier League relegation with two different clubs.
His first came with Aston Villa in 2015/16, despite a solid individual season where he netted seven goals. The club, however, endured a disastrous campaign and finished bottom.
He later joined Swansea City, where he experienced another drop in 2017/18. That season, Ayew contributed seven goals and two assists, but once again, it wasn't enough to save his side.
With Leicester City currently battling relegation, Ayew could make history — albeit unwanted — as the Ghanaian with the most Premier League relegations if the Foxes go down and he’s part of the squad.
Denis Odoi – Fulham (2018/19 & 2020/21)
Nicknamed "The Professor" for his intelligence and discipline, Denis Odoi also carries the burden of two relegations with Fulham.
After earning promotion from the Championship, Odoi debuted in the Premier League in 2018/19, only to see Fulham finish 19th and head back down. A second stint in the top flight in 2020/21 ended similarly, with Fulham finishing 18th. Odoi featured just three times that season due to injury.
The One-Time Casualties (But Once Was Painful Enough)
Mohammed Salisu – Southampton (2022/23): Now with AS Monaco, Salisu was part of the Southampton team that finished last with 25 points in 2022/23.
André Ayew – Swansea City (2017/18): The older Ayew brother was the club’s record signing at the time but couldn’t prevent relegation despite his experience.
Daniel Amartey – Leicester City (2022/23): Seven years after lifting the Premier League title with Leicester, Amartey was part of the squad that dropped to the Championship.
Derek Boateng – Fulham (2013/14): The midfielder made only three appearances as Fulham finished 19th under Felix Magath.
Kevin-Prince Boateng – Portsmouth (2009/10): Despite flashes of brilliance, Boateng couldn’t save Portsmouth, who were relegated under Avram Grant with the Ghanaian playing 22 matches and scoring three goals.
