Accra: Black Stars goalkeeper Benjamin Asare's age and work permit issues remain significant hurdles in securing a foreign club, despite his heroic performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and his agents' continued efforts to secure a move.
According to Ghana Web, renowned Ghanaian sports journalist Rahman Osman reported that Asare's agent has presented his Curriculum Vitae (CV) to several clubs in Europe and beyond. While some deals came close to finalization, they eventually collapsed. Osman revealed that Asare recently secured a deal with a club in Azerbaijan, but it fell through after it was discovered that obtaining a work permit would take longer than expected.
Osman explained in a video shared on X that there were deals very close to completion, but obstacles remained. He shared that just last week, a deal was almost finalized for a nine-month loan in Azerbaijan worth about $60,000 to $70,000. Despite all parties agreeing, the discovery that a work permit would take six to seven weeks to process led to the deal's collapse.
He further disclosed that other factors blocking a move include Asare's age, his current contract with Hearts of Oak (with one year left), and potential transfer fee hurdles. Many clubs have shown interest, but they prefer him on a free transfer due to his contract's remaining duration. Osman compared Asare's situation to Solomon Agbesi, who moved easily to South Africa after the World Cup as a free agent. Clubs are reportedly cautious about Asare's age, the contract situation, and associated costs.
Asare has resumed training with Hearts of Oak and is expected to start the season as their number one goalkeeper while his agents continue pushing for a move, with only a few days left in the transfer market.