The Ghana Football Association per reports in the media, are monitoring Mauritania national team head coach Amir Abdou and are willing to hand him the Black Stars vacant coaching role.
Mauritania's head coach, Amir Abdou, currently engaged in negotiations with the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has reportedly received a lucrative offer of USD45,000 per month, according to exclusive reports from AfricaSoccer.com.
This enticing proposal surpasses the USD35,000 offer presented by the Mauritanian Football Federation for a three-year contract extension, casting uncertainty over Abdou's future with his current team.
The Ghana FA is eager to secure the services of the French/Comorian tactician to fill the void left by the dismissal of Chris Hughton, following Ghana's disappointing campaign at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Black Stars failed to progress from their group.
Abdou's discontent with the treatment he has received from the Mauritanian media has further complicated the negotiation process.
Moreover, reports suggest that the Mauritanian Federation is already contemplating Spanish trainer Aritz Lopez Garay as a potential replacement, indicating a proactive approach even before Abdou's potential departure for the Ghanaian national team.
With Abdou's current contract set to expire on March 1, 2024, time is of the essence in this unfolding situation.
Abdou has previously steered Mauritania to their most successful AFCON campaign, reaching the Round of 16 stage after securing a notable victory over Algeria.
His coaching achievements extend to Comoros, where he guided the team to their inaugural AFCON appearance, including a memorable group stage victory over Ghana in 2021, although they ultimately bowed out in the Round of 16.
Amidst the evolving circumstances, the prospect of Abdou extending his tenure with Mauritania appears uncertain unless significant developments occur in the negotiation process.
According to exclusive reports in the local media, Asante Kotoko are struggling to convince mercurial midfielder Richmond Lamptey extend his contract which is due for expiration in the next few months.
Red Star Belgrade, the Serbian giants, have reached a verdict on the future of Osman Bukari amidst growing interest from Major League Soccer clubs.
Despite keen interest from LA Galaxy and Chicago Fire, who both tabled offers of 10 million Euros for the Ghana international winger, Red Star Belgrade has opted not to part ways with him at this juncture.
Representatives of the interested MLS clubs recently convened to discuss Bukari's potential transfer, but Red Star Belgrade has chosen to retain the forward, citing the importance of the ongoing league campaign.
Sources indicate that Red Star will entertain the idea of letting Bukari depart only if they secure a suitable replacement for the influential Black Stars forward.
Since joining Red Star from KAA Gent in the summer of 2022, Bukari has been instrumental in the team's success, contributing significantly to consecutive league triumphs.
In the current season, Bukari has showcased his prowess with 9 goal contributions in 16 league appearances and an additional two goals and two assists in six UEFA Champions League outings.
With his contract set to expire in 2026, Bukari remains a pivotal figure for Red Star Belgrade, whose decision not to sell him underscores their commitment to maintaining their competitive edge.
Amid mounting calls for Manchester United's rising star Kobbie Mainoo to join the Black Stars squad, former Ghana midfielder Laryea Kingston has advocated for patience and a strategic approach in considering the youngster's inclusion.
The buzz surrounding Mainoo intensified following his stellar performances in the English Premier League, notably his game-winning goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers last Thursday.
While acknowledging the Ghana Football Association's (GFA) interest in Mainoo, Kingston, currently serving as an assistant coach for the Black Starlets, emphasized the importance of a systematic approach.
Speaking to Graphic Sports, Kingston emphasized the need for engaging with Mainoo and creating a welcoming environment before rushing into a national team call-up.
“Here is a case where we have a young boy coming up and he is doing well with Manchester United and all of a sudden Ghanaians say we should bring him. Have we thought about integration, how many times has he even come to Ghana?” he said.
Highlighting his own experience in integrating overseas-born talents like Junior Agogo and Quincy Owusu-Abeyie into the national team, Kingston stressed the importance of making Mainoo feel at home.
He urged for personal visits to Manchester United to connect with Mainoo and ensure his comfort before considering him for the national team.
Kingston emphasized the necessity of evaluating Mainoo's playing style and its alignment with the Black Stars' strategy and philosophy.
Additionally, he urged caution in assessing Mainoo's connection to Ghana and the potential challenges of integrating a player who may not have strong ties to the country despite his heritage.
“We need to talk to him, visit him at Manchester United and let him feel that he is welcome then slowly you lure him into the environment. Agogo and Quincy and all those people, some of us were part of their integration. We helped them to fit in and feel comfortable,” he recalled.
Forward Abdul Fatawu Safiu has responded to the news of his contract termination with Asante Kotoko.
The seasoned attacker was released by the Porcupine Warriors less than two weeks after rejoining the Kumasi-based giants.
Asante Kotoko cited medical reasons for their decision to part ways with the striker. In a statement, the club explained, "Asante Kotoko can confirm that it has relieved forward, Abdul Fatawu Safiu due to medical reasons."
The club clarified that they had initially signed Safiu to meet registration deadlines set by the Ghana Football Association and had conducted the mandatory pre-competition medical assessment. However, further assessments by the club's medical team revealed additional health-related issues that could potentially sideline him for an extended period.
Expressing his disappointment, Safiu took to social media, stating, "It’s a heavy load to bear but I carry it well." Despite the setback, he remains hopeful of returning stronger in the future.
