Accra Hearts of Oak have a lot of work to do this winter transfer window. The Phobians need to significantly improve their ranks if they are to win the league title and compete in Africa.
While there is still uncertainty surrounding who becomes the club’s next manager, they will need to make decisions on players to target, and more importantly, players to move on. Hearts are expected to be very active in the transfer window and they may need to generate funds from player sales to help finance move for new acquisition.
Here are 4 positions need to strengthen this summer
Strikers
The Hearts attack is, without a shadow of doubt, the club’s priority in the summer transfer window. Yeah, Hearts have strikeforce issues. If you didn't know that, you haven't watched the Phobians since they won the title under Samuel Boadu four seasons ago.
Asamoah Boateng, Kwabena Boateng, Abdul Aziz Adams, and to a lesser extent Hamza Issah all failed to deliver in the goods for the Phobians. Whether it's a much-touted young player or another experienced campaigner, Hearts need a striker who can hold the ball up and allow wide players and attacking midfielders to play what's in front of them.
It is not beyond the realms of possibility the Phobians undergo yet another sizeable changeup of their forward line.
Goalkeepers
There’s no denying that Hearts must urgently reinforce their goalkeeping department. As things stand, the Phobians have just one dependable shot-stopper—Benjamin Asare. Ironically, while he’s yet to firmly establish himself between the sticks for Hearts, he’s effortlessly risen to claim the number one jersey for the Black Stars, walking into the national setup with calm authority and quiet confidence.
Quite paradoxically, both second-choice Kwasi Nketiah and third-choice Sharif Shuaib have faltered under the spotlight, squandering the few chances they've had to impress. It’s no surprise, then, that Hearts of Oak are actively scouring the market for a dependable pair of gloves. Whispers from the corridors of power suggest the Phobians have set their sights on Dreams FC’s Solomon Agbesi, with early talks hinting at a possible move.
Full-Backs
Abubakar Ouattara’s side found themselves in turbulent waters last season, adrift without direction or drive. The defensive unit, in particular, was a major cause for concern. Players like Michael Ampadu, Emmanuel Amankwah, and Ransford Mensah struggled to rise to the occasion, delivering underwhelming performances that left the Hearts faithful frustrated and disillusioned.
With rumours swirling around a potential exit for Ampadu, the need for reinforcements on both defensive flanks has never been more urgent. The Phobians cannot afford another campaign where their backline is more porous than protective — shoring up the defence must be a top priority if they are to restore pride and purpose to the badge.
Wingers
The vintage winger of yesteryear is hard to come across in the current day and age. The emergence of the ‘inverted’ wide man has altered our perceptions of the winger. Such players are no longer expected to hit the byline and cross at will - that’s now the job of the marauding full-back - but are instead tasked with cutting onto their favoured foot and creating or scoring from a more central position. The Phobians should scour the market and recruit left and right wingers who can complement the efforts of the attackers.
