Transfers, they’re always a gamble.
Some turn out like Abednego Tetteh at Hearts, and some turn out like, well, Abednego Tetteh at Bibiani Goldstars- you can never be certain about how successful your investment is going to be. And, with market prices continuously rising to simply unreasonable levels, the ones that pay off are all the sweeter.
But which teams have done the best business? Which moves make the most sense? Below, we look at some of the signings that have really paid off this campaign so far.
Nurudeen Yussif Mohammed (Kotoko)
Kotoko signed the centre-back for nothing and, he has been a revelation for the Porcupine Warriors since his his arrival from RTU. His desire and aggressive style have established him as a fan favourite and his role in the defence has complemented teammate Henry Ansu.
He is also one of the many modern defenders who likes to show composure when distributing the ball, something his manager Prosper Narteh Ogum appreciates from his defenders. He was adjudged the MVP in his side’s games with Heart of Lions and Aduana Stars.
Abdul Manaf Umar (Nsoatreman)
Another RTU alumni, Umar joined the Nsoatre-based side as a free agent. The midfielder has been a worthy addition and has become a leading man for a team that have become one of the most potent around. He has scored four goals and registered an assist in seven appearances for his new employers so far.
Abdul Manaf Umar is very technically gifted and likes to make impact in both halves of the pitch.
Kelvin Osei Assibey (Hearts of Oak)
Not only has Kelvin Osei Assibey shown incredible quality on the pitch, but his resilience to bounce back from a tricky start to the campaign and vociferous criticism means he deserves enormous credit. Assibey has been an ever-present member of the Hearts team since his arrival from Techiman Eleven Wonders, showing his technical quality, adaptability and athleticism throughout.
Assibey’s composure in possession and defensive discipline have long made him one of the most underrated players in the country. He is blossoming in an environment that provides him with consistent first-team action.
Michael Ampadu (Hearts of Oak)
It didn’t take long for Ampadu to endear himself to Hearts fans and prove that he’s precisely the sort of aggressive, forward-thinking defender this team has been missing. Hearts’ opening-day to defeat to RTU was defined by the former Legon City man’ surging runs in possession, breaking the first line of the RTU defence and shaking his team-mates out of a familiar slumber.
Ampadu has been grabbing games by the scruff ever since, and last Wednesday’s performance against Medeama was his finest to date. He has won two MVPs. The Phobians have finally found a fierce leader capable of lifting the crowd and changing the shape of a game.
Razak Simpson (Nations FC)
Players in Simpson’s mould are incredibly difficult to find. His calm but incisive distribution of the ball at the heart of the defence has arguably been the only bright spot of an underwhelming season so far for Nation’s. Strong in the tackle and quick to anticipate a loose ball, Lemina is pulling all the strings for the league debutants.
His supreme build is matched with his ability on the ball, as you'd expect at a club. He bullies, he battles. But he's as intelligent as his fans and neutrals would expect, too. He has won three MVPs so far.
Frank Antwi (Legon Cities)
A progressive ball-playing midfielder, Antwi has shone since joining Legon Cities from Nations FC. Capable of passing through the lines, the midfielder is extremely comfortable playing off of both feet and linking the team together.
He also has an eye for goal, and is just as happy getting into the box for an attack as he is sitting on the edge and placing a shot into the top corner. He doesn't shirk a challenge either, with his stamina allowing him to recover quickly and regain possession for his side. He has achieved a total of three goals in four games, earning the title of Most Valuable Player (MVP) on one occasion, each time coming off the bench as a substitute.
Hamza Issah (Hearts of Oak)
All action forward Issah has asserted himself as a crucial part of Martin Koopman’s side since his promotion from Hearts’ youth side, Auroras. The teenage sensation is rock solid with the composure of a grizzled veteran, and it seems inevitable that he will join the glittering, growing list of young Ghanaian footballers thriving in Europe.
Capable of leading the line alone or in tandem with another frontmen, Issah excels at linking the play and bringing others into the game. He’s also strong in the air and quick across the ground, qualities which make him an ideal modern-day focal point. He has so far scored four goals in six appearances for the Phobians.
Ronald Frimpong (Bibiani Goldstars)
Snapping up a talented Ronald Frimpong on a free was a shrewd business for Bibiani Goldstars. The former RTU versatile player has been balling out on the flanks since his arrival, and has become an important figure in Michael Osei’s setup. Having netted three times already. He loves to glide across the pitch whenever he is running with the ball, but his close control means he is always available to find a teammate at the precise perfect moment he needs to. A strong dribbler, Frimpong loves dragging defenders out of position, too, before releasing the ball at the perfect moment for a better-positioned teammate.
His enhanced awareness on the situation around him has also meant he is adding more goals and assists to his game.
Kamaradini Mamudu (Medeama SC)
The former Tamale City right-back has been sensational for the Ghanaian champions since his arrival, showcasing tremendous defensive skills, and attacking contributions too. Quick and full of energy, Mamudu loves nothing more than marauding down the right wing and joining the attack. The defender’s stamina allows him to cover the entire flank for 90 minutes, and in possession he’s one of the most creative full-backs around. He has scored 2 goals in 8 games for the Mauve and Yellows.
Mamudu is not just a wonderful right-back but also a wonderful all-round footballer.
