Chelsea and Newcastle United reportedly lost to Barcelona in the race to secure the services of David Oduro and Abdul Aziz Issah, respectively.
According to a report by Mundo Deportivo, as relayed by Sport Witness, David Oduro was the subject of interest from Chelsea in the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, Abdul Aziz Issah was a target for Newcastle United. However, the two Ghanaian prodigies have snubbed the Premier League clubs to join Barcelona this summer.
David Oduro and Abdul Aziz Issah: The latest Ghanaian wonderkids
David Oduro and Abdul Aziz Issah are the latest Ghanaian prospects to rise in prominence. The African country has continually produced highly promising prodigies year after year, with the last few years witnessing the advent of Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Ernest Nuamah, and Kamaldeen Sulemana.
David Oduro is a left-back who Barcelona will hope to mould in the modern style while looking to retain his ball-playing ability. As for Abdul Aziz Issah, the 18-year-old is a forward who can play on either flank or as a central attacking midfielder.
The Ghanaian duo packs a punch, and it is hardly surprising that high-profile clubs like Chelsea and Newcastle United were keen on securing their services and bolstering their youth squads. While Chelsea wanted to sign David Oduro, Abdul Aziz Issah was a target for Newcastle United. However, the two Premier League clubs have lost to Barcelona in the battle for the pair.
Barcelona sign the Ghanaian prodigies
The Catalan giants have presented Oduro, Aziz Issah, and Ivan Cedric as the latest signings for the reserve side. The trio will be in contention to take on Unionistas de Salamanca CF in league action this weekend. While Oduro joined Barcelona Atletic on a permanent deal from Accra Lions, Abdul Aziz Issah arrived on loan from Dreams FC.
David Oduro has expressed his delight at joining Barcelona Atletic, saying, “I am very, very happy because getting this opportunity is not very easy, especially for Ghanaians. It is historic for my country; coming directly from here to Barcelona is great news for Ghana. I come with fire; I will not let you down. I will work very hard; it is not time to sleep.”
As for Chelsea and Newcastle United, they must look elsewhere to bolster their youth squads after missing out on Oduro and Aziz Issah. It will be interesting to see if the Ghanaian duo can make a mark for Barcelona Atletic this season.
