Ghana: Ghana defender Gideon Mensah has revealed that his move to Bundesliga side FC K¶ln was already in motion before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite widespread belief that his performances at the tournament earned him the transfer. The 28-year-old, who recently joined the German club after leaving French side AJ Auxerre, said negotiations began well before the Black Stars travelled to North America, although they intensified during the competition.
According to Ghana Web, Mensah stated, "Most people really thought that it was the World Cup performance that got me this deal. But there's always a saying that when you're outside the forest, everything looks together. When you get in, then you see that every tree is on its own." He explained that discussions with K¶ln began long before the World Cup, and while they became more concrete during the tournament, the groundwork was laid well in advance.
The transfer was finalized after Ghana's match against England in America. Mensah insisted the move was already progressing, although he acknowledged his World Cup displays bolstered his standing with the club. The left-back started all four of Ghana's matches as the Black Stars defeated Panama, drew with England, lost narrowly to Croatia, and exited in the Round of 32 after a defeat by Colombia.
Mensah reflected on his international career, noting that the 2026 World Cup marked a significant turning point. "I think in the World Cup I impressed K¶ln a lot. I impressed myself as well," he remarked. Having participated in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Mensah viewed the 2026 edition as a chance to embrace a leadership role and make a lasting impact.
The tournament was memorable for Mensah, who enjoyed the responsibilities that came with being a senior player within the Black Stars squad. "This one came with a lot of responsibilities and leadership, something that I enjoyed very well because I came into the national team as a young boy and then ended up reaching the highest stage of football and playing a key part," he said.
Mensah emphasized the importance of guiding younger teammates, expressing his desire to be a positive influence and leader on the field. "I had young players playing alongside me, so now it's like I have this opportunity to be a big influence, a good leader for these ones that are playing alongside me," he added.
The defender believes the responsibilities entrusted to him were evident in his World Cup performances. "I think my performance and then the energy that I had in the World Cup this year was more about the authority and responsibility given to me," he concluded.
Mensah has already begun his tenure in Germany, making his Bundesliga debut as K¶ln opened their league campaign with a 3-2 victory over TSG Hoffenheim at the RheinEnergieStadion on Saturday.