Asante Kotoko has transferred young footballer Bernard Somuah to RC Celta Fortuna – Celta Vigo’s reserve side – in an initial one-season loan agreement with the option of a permanent deal if he impresses the La Liga side.
When people say anything is possible to happen in life, this is exactly the sort of things they mean. The journey from Ghana’s lower-tier and the Premier League to one of the world’s finest football destinations took just 12 months for Somuah.
The 18-year old joined the Porcupine Warriors from third-tier side Afigya Liberty on 30th August of last year and in fairness, there was very little prospect of this huge transfer happening, but it has happened.
The talented attacker racked up 22 goals for Liberty in 2022/23 which caught the attention of Prosper Ogum to hand him a trial during Kotoko’s pre-season at Mampong Beposo ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. The youngster impressed and eventually signed a three-year contract with the Reds.
He was not a regular while at Kotoko last season having completed 90-minute action just once in 16 appearances for the Kumasi side, scoring 2 goals and providing a couple of assists. Yet, this represents a significant business for Kotoko considering Somuah arrived as an unknown quantity.
“We are incredibly proud of Bernard’s journey and what this move represents for him and Asante Kotoko. He has shown tremendous growth and resilience, and this opportunity with Celta Vigo is a well-deserved next step in his career. Bernard carries with him the spirit of Kotoko and Asanteman, and we have no doubt he will make a significant impact in Spain. We will be cheering him on every step of the way,” said the head of the Kotoko’s IMC, Nana Apinkra Akwasi Awua.
Can Somuah break into the Celta first team?
I think whether or not he would be handed a shot in the senior Celta team will largely depend on his development and performance in his loan spell with Celta Fortuna managed by Fredi Álvarez. Producing just 2 goals in 16 matches was out of the top drawer for the young footballer who will have to raise the level now that he is going into European football.
Will Kotoko miss him?
As I said earlier on, he was not in the thick of the action last season for Kotoko, featuring in just 47% of the team’s 34 Premier League games. With the arrival of Saaka Dauda from Bofoakwa Tano and Peter Acquah Amidu still in hot form, Somuah’s first team chances were further threatened, though he has had a brilliant pre-season ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Reacting to the transfer, Kotoko boss Prosper Ogum said:
“We are all thrilled for Bernard as he takes this important step in his career. It’s a move that reflects his hard work and potential. While we will miss his contributions, we have confidence in our squad’s depth and will look within to fill the void. Our focus remains on building a strong team capable of competing at the highest level.”
Kotoko exodus
Despite the excitement this transfer brings to Kotoko and the player, it adds to the team’s exodus that has seen over 20 players depart the Reds in the last two months.
While most of these players’ contracts were mutually terminated, others such as Steven Mukwala left on free transfer.
Once the proper season commences, Ogum will have to justify the mass departures that he sanctioned.
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