John Paintsil, Assistant Coach of the Black Stars, emphasizes that it's natural for Ghana Premier League players to seek more lucrative contracts abroad. Recently, players such as Emmanuel Keyekeh, Richmond Lamptey, and Steven Mukwala have signed with clubs in Rwanda and Tanzania, illustrating this trend.
Paintsil, a former defender for Berekum Arsenal, believes that teams should not overly depend on individual players for their strength. Addressing the frequent departures of players from the Ghana Premier League, he remarked in an interview on Asempa FM, “Running football is a business, so if the player is young and has the opportunity to go, why not?”
He stressed the importance of having a robust squad to maintain competitiveness and financial stability: “You need to have a big squad if you really want to do business. The player can be 16 years old and the team in Europe can buy for a long-term contract.”
Highlighting the financial realities of football, Paintsil added, “The man who, the chairman, the president himself, who is using his money needs to get a return. So I don't think there's a problem in that.”
He concluded by advising clubs on team-building strategy: “When you are building a team, you need to build the structure well, so that you have many players. Don’t build a team around one or two players.”
Black Stars assistant coach John Paintsil has urged Ghana Premier League clubs to avoid structuring their teams around a single player. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong core to withstand the departure of players who frequently move abroad.
In recent times, players like Emmanuel Keyekeh, Richmond Lamptey, and Steven Mukwala have signed with clubs in Rwanda and Tanzania, highlighting this trend. Paintsil remarked in an interview on Asempa FM, “Running football is a business, so if the player is young and has the opportunity to go, why not?”
He further advised clubs to expand their rosters to remain competitive and sustainable: “You need to have a big squad, if you really want to do business. The player can be 16 years and the team in Europe can buy for a long-term contract.”
Highlighting the financial aspects, Paintsil added, “The man who, the chairman, the president himself, who is using his money needs to get a return. So I don't think there's a problem in that.”
He concluded with a strategic recommendation: “When you are building a team, you need to build the structure well, so that you have many players. Don't build a team around one or two players.”
The former Feyenoord Rotterdam widesman has completed his move to the German second-tier outfit in this current summer transfer window
Ghanaian champions FC Samartex 1996 have released a statement just few hours ago to rubbish reports that, they have transferred their captain Emmanuel Keyekeh to Tanzanian side Singida Black Stars FC
Black Stars forward Inaki Williams has resumed training at Athletic Bilbao as the team begins their pre-season preparations for the 2024/25 campaign.
The Ghanaian international is back on the field after missing June's World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic due to an injury. Williams had undergone surgery to remove a piece of broken glass from his left foot, which kept him sidelined for those crucial matches.
The 29-year-old forward rejoined his teammates this week, appearing fit and ready for the upcoming season. Williams has been a pivotal player for Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés, and he played a significant role in their Copa del Rey victory last season, which marked the club's first triumph in the competition in 40 years.
During the 2022/23 season, Williams had a standout year, scoring 12 goals in La Liga and helping Bilbao secure a place in European competition. For their pre-season, Athletic Bilbao have arranged a series of friendly matches throughout July and August.
Meanwhile, Williams’ younger brother, Nico Williams, is currently representing Spain at the European Championship in Germany.
Olympique Marseille are preparing to make a move for Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah as the summer transfer window approaches. The English-born Ghanaian has found it difficult to secure consistent game time at Arsenal and might be on the move before the new season kicks off.
Last season, Nketiah managed only ten Premier League starts and has seen his opportunities diminish with Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz taking priority in the forward positions. Marseille, who have also shown interest in another English player, Mason Greenwood, are keeping a close eye on Nketiah’s situation at Arsenal. Reports indicate that the French club has begun exploring the possibility of a transfer this summer.
Roberto De Zerbi, the new manager at Marseille who previously managed Brighton in the Premier League, is anticipated to play a significant role in persuading Nketiah to join the team at the Stade Vélodrome.
Nketiah’s current contract with Arsenal runs until the summer of 2027, but there is a possibility he could be loaned out depending on how negotiations between the clubs progress. The 25-year-old striker has netted 19 goals in 116 appearances in the Premier League to date.
