In a notable setback for Ghanaian football club Hearts of Oak, the anticipated transfer of experienced midfielder Mubarak Wakaso has officially collapsed. Negotiations failed to progress before the closure of the second registration window on Wednesday night.
Wakaso, who has been a free agent since January 2024 following his time at Shenzhen FC in China, was reportedly in advanced discussions for a January transfer to the Accra-based club. Initial optimism surrounded the potential deal; however, sources suggest that talks facilitated by intermediaries could not reach a final agreement, as reported by 3Sports.
The 34-year-old midfielder has not played a competitive match since August 23, 2023, due to ongoing knee injuries. Recently, he has been training in Ghana, and Hearts of Oak had hoped to manage his workload carefully, similar to their previous approach with veteran midfielder Sulley Muntari during the 2022/23 season. The club intended to limit Wakaso’s appearances to select high-profile matches while avoiding long trips, aiming to maintain his fitness levels.
Wakaso’s impressive career includes stints at several notable clubs, including Villarreal, Panathinaikos, Espanyol, and Rubin Kazan. He was expected to bring invaluable experience and leadership to the Hearts of Oak squad. His international credentials include 70 caps and 13 goals for the Ghana national team, as well as winning the Golden Boot at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
Story by Penty Dzidzor Newton|univers.ug.edu.gh
