Salifu Ibrahim: Hearts of Oak set to lose midfielder after Belgian club Royal Antwerp make $600,000 offer
Ghanaian giants Hearts of Oak could lose key man Salifu Ibrahim before start of the 2021-2022 Caf Champions League after Royal Antwerp reportedly submit US$600,000 offer for midfielder.
The Ghana Premier League champions are already into the Ghanaian transfer market to strengthen their squad for the African Champions League.
They have announced deals for Gladson Awako from Great Olympics and Salim Adams from New Edubiase while fight off European interest to capture the signatures of Wafa star Enock Asubonteng, Benjamin Yorke and Suraj Seidu from Wafa.
Despite their massive signings, they could be swooped on the flip side after Belgium Jupiler Pro League club Antwerp reportedly planning to land Salifu Ibrahim before closure of the European summer transfer window- that finally shut down 31st August across most European leagues.
The Belgian side have reportedly been in love with the Ghanaian International since his undisclosed-terms transfer from Techiman Eleven Wonders to Hearts of Oak in the second round of the season.
At the end of the season, Salifu emerged as one of the best players in the Ghana Premier League making over 30 league appearances for both Hearts and Wonders, providing 8 assists and 3 goals while helping Hearts to break their over-decade league drought and win the FA Cup.
Hearts of Oak are understood to keep all their stars ahead of the Caf Champions League that they have vowed to make huge impact but have received a lucrative offer for Salifu Ibrahim along the line.
The 21-year old has three more years on his contract at Hearts until summer 2024. Hearts of Oak are yet to make any official decision on the midfielder’s future but they could be forced to cash in on the player.
Antwerp’s interest in Salifu Ibrahim may surprise many football fans in Ghana after appeared dip in form statement hit the local media.
Last two weeks, Ignatius Osei-Fosu who managed Salifu at Eleven Wonders in the first round make a surprise statement by saying the player has lost his previuos top form ever since he joined Hearts.
The 21-year old has broken silence over his former boss’ statement now agreeing with what Ignatius Osei said.
When reacting to his former coach’s comments, Salifu Ibrahim said, “I agree with him (Ignatius Osei-Fosu) that my performance has dropped since I joined Hearts”— Salifu told Wontumi TV
“In Eleven Wonders we didn’t keep much time in our half with the ball before we move to the opposition box, we used a lot of long balls.
“But at Hearts my role is different, we use a lot of short passes” he added.
