Czech giants Sparta Prague have completed the signing of promising Ghanaian defender Ivan Anokye Mensah, marking a significant move in the 21-year-old’s budding football career.
Mensah, who rose to fame as part of Ghana’s victorious squad at the 2021 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, joins Sparta Prague’s B team on a permanent deal following an impressive run of form in Slovakia.
The young centre-back most recently featured for Dukla Banská Bystrica, where he made 28 appearances scoring two goals during the 2024/25 season.
A product of Labadi Tse-addo based MŠK Žilina Africa FC, Mensah's European journey began with the Slovakian side's B team before earning a loan stint at Inter Allies in the Ghana Premier League.
His composure, aerial ability, and maturity at the back have earned him a reputation as one of Ghana’s brightest young defensive prospects.
Sparta Prague, one of the most decorated clubs in Czech football, sees Mensah as a long-term investment with the potential to rise into the first team.
Speaking after the move, club officials expressed confidence in Mensah's abilities, highlighting his international experience and defensive awareness as key assets that will bolster their squad.
"Ivan is a right-footed, speedy central defender, with his tall stature and strength in duels he is a winning type of player who should fit into our system. He will start his summer training in Sparta's B-team, where he will have the space and opportunity to acclimatize to the club," Sparta Prague's interim sports director Tomáš Sivok said.
For Mensah, the move to Sparta represents another step forward in his European career and a chance to compete at a higher level in one of Central Europe’s most competitive football environments.
"The feelings I had when I learned about Sparta's interest cannot be fully described. I was very happy and tried to be here.“
By: Pascal Amoah
