August 22 is one of the biggest days in the Ghanaian football calendar as it brings the official closing of the country's first transfer window. The hectic three-month period of social media rumours, player sightings and the exciting club announcements is ending in few days and we are ready for all the chaos it brings.
We’ve already seen a major transfer completed in this window with Emmanuel Agyemang Badu joining Accra Great Olympics, but who could be next for a big move?
Here are a handful of potential moves that could be made in the coming hours.
Umar Bashiru
One player that quietly goes about his work week-in, week-out is Umar Bashiru. Sure, he may not earn rave reviews for his stunning assists, or his thunderous volleys, but he is a vital member of the Anyinase-based side.
Yes, he may not be a 'star name' but he has proven to be a valuable squad member.
The midfielder is a crucial player at ball retention and transitions for Bismark Kobi Mensah and Karela United FC are a much better side (how is that possible?) when he is in the team.
His spell with the Porcupine Warriors was a failure but now transformed, his quality on the ball combined with his physical presence could make him a perfect signing for Kotoko. He is a free agent after seeing out his contract with Karela.
Razak Kassim
Kassim has established himself as one of the best volantes in the division. The Olympics midfielder is one of a kind. His style of play is graceful, he reads the game beautifully, and his frame only works to enhance his outstanding talent and make him even more impossible to catch with the ball at his feet.
Possessing an imposing frame for a defensive midfielder, he is blessed with an unusually neat technique for a player of his age, he is regarded as one of the best in his position in the country all while married to a nonchalant action style.
Dominic Nsobila
There has been one question surrounding Nsobila for the last few weeks - will he join Kotoko? Nsobila has a decision to make. He was his club's top performer in their debut season in the elite division and is tempted to call it quits and test himself somewhere else, but Accra Lions’ reluctance to agree a fee has prevented a move to Kotoko thus far.
Until he puts pen to paper on a contract somewhere, there will be interest from countless other sides. This one is far from over.
Augustine Randolf
Augustine Randolf is perhaps the most cavalier and polarising defender in the league. As an attacking tour de force, the Karela United right-back is nothing short of outstanding.
He aggressively attacks the right side with gusto, always offering an outlet, while his ability on the ball, featuring a wide array of tricks with which to go past people, have made him a hit in the league and one of the first names on the team sheet.
David Abagna Sandan
His selfless attitude and ability to move around the pitch have seen him become one of the most sought-after midfielders in the league. His injury at the Black Stars camp really halted the progress of RTU.
His ability to disrupt the play and launch attacks has become a feature of the RTU side. Sandan's nimble frame perhaps lures opponents into a false sense of security; the truth is he was one of the most intelligent midfielders you are likely to see in the Ghanaian topflight.
Unlike many others in his position, Sandan also boasts a keen eye for goal. Plenty of them are screamers, too.
The midfielder can do pretty much everything: pass long, pass short, shoot from way out, shoot from close in, he is strong, can keep the ball, and has vision.
Eric Esso
With versatility in abundance due to the various roles he's played in his previous clubs, all that experience has weaved together to form the perfect package; the perfect amalgamation of mental, technical, and physical attributes. Able to control the tempo of matches, dig his heels in and defend when required, but also provide the eye-of-the-needle pass forward that starts (or finishes) an attack.
Jonah Attuquaye
Attuquaye has matured considerably this year, improving his final ball and becoming much more consistent under the tutelage of Maxwell Konadu. He is now one of the finest wingers in the game whose brilliance has been masked by some popular players in the division.
He has been, in an otherwise remarkable year for the Royals, consistently outstanding.
His reading of the game, confidence in possession, and speed makes Attuquaye the perfect winger for the modern game.
It's not just his right wand that dazzles. His extensive repertoire of skills can bamboozle even the most experienced defender, cutting either outside or inside and laying off for a teammate with measured precision. Hearts bound?
