The Ghanaian transfer window is hitting its stride, and the hunt for that player who will help you escape relegation, secure a top-half finish or reach new levels of glory has never been more intense - or costly.
What every club wants most of all is the mystical beast that is a 20-goal a season striker. The fact is, every forward who enjoys one good campaign suddenly sees his price tag triple and quadruple, so the trick is to catch them just as they're on the brink of exploding.
Asante Kotoko want a replacement for Franck Mbella Etouga who is reportedly on the verge of joining Udinese Calcio. The Porcupine Warriors are closing in on the signing of another Cameroonian forward Alain Akono.
But who is he? Here's what you need to know about the Cameroonian...
Can play in more than one position
Akono's versatility is another praise-worthy aspect to his game, seeming equally comfortable as the arrow head as he is as a second striker.
The 26-year-old can also play in any of the forward positions, from the left and right flanks through to the number ten position.
With a long Premier League season ahead of them, Kotoko could definitely use a player who can fill in in case of injuries in a wide variety of positions.
Previous Clubs
Akono is not new to playing abroad. The forward has had playing spells in Tanzania with Azam FC ; Eqautorial Guinea with Leones Vegetarianos FC; Morocco with SCC Mohammedia and in Malaysia with Negeri Sembilan FC.
Playing Style
The forward can play across the forward line, but primarily played on the left or as a centre-forward for the Moroccan club.
One of the things that will terrify his opponents the most is his directness - while he is an undoubted goal threat, he likes to drop deep and dribble at defenders, using his acceleration and excellent natural close control to open up defences and create space for his team.
Defenders will have to stay focused against Akono - his pace and awareness means that he can take advantage of any lax offside trap.
National Team exposure
Akono has had a brief spell with Cameroon's CHAN team after a splendid season with AS Fortuna du Mfou in the 2019/2020/season. He played in two international friendlies and netted one. Sadly, the tournament was cancelled due to the pandemic. Chased by a lot of clubs, the forward sought refuge in Tanzanian giants, Azam FC.
He is supremely confident
Akono's confidence in his own ability is clear for all to see. He demands the ball even when in pressure situations and backs himself to dribble out of tight spaces.
His aerial threat and physical presence makes him a tough forward to handle, and every centre-back is in for a long old afternoon when he's backing into them.
Below is the Goals and skills of Alain Akono Akono
