BIG CLUBS JOIN BERNARD KUMORDZI HUNT

Olympique Lyon in France, Anderlecht of Belgium and German Bundesliga campaigners Bayer Levekusen are the latest to join in the race for the signature of Black Stars revelation Bennard Yao Kumordzi. The 22 year old received his first senior call up for the Black Stars just two months ago.

The attacking midfielder was a direct injury replacement for Ghana captain Stephen Appiah. The timing was perfect for Ghana's FIFA International friendlies in March 2007.

His international debut was against Brazil on March 27 in Stockholm, Sweden when Ghana lost 0-1. The defeat did not take away from a good team show and a competent display by Kumordzi for the last 20 minutes of the game.

Since then, Kumordzi has been the target of a number of top European clubs who may have spotted the potential of the gangling player. But the fact is that Kumordzi was going to be discovered sooner or later even without a call up from Black Stars coach Leroy.

Only last week, one of the most respected football scouts in Africa told myghanafootball.com that Kumordzi could be a midfield wizard in the next two years.

According to Tom Vernon who is also the brainchild of The Right to Dream Academy based in Ghana said "just give Bennard a couple of seasons to find his rhythm in high level European Football and he would be making headlines like Essien"

But there was a warning with the glowing tribute of the young potential. " It is important that he takes his time to prepare for the big leap so that he does not become just another player in Europe he must choose his next club very carefully"

Kumordzi was part of the Olympic team that played Burkina Faso in January, this year and also played the two-legged tie of the of the All-African Games qualifying matches against the Young Eagles of Nigeria which Ghana qualified narrowly.

He has also received plaudits from the Greek media as a true revelation of the season following a superb goal he scored against Ergotelis FC in a league match.

As with so many young African stars, the football lessons are harsh and now with his club Egaleo relegated, the rush for his services is on. Kumordzi's manager, Victor Vaness has confirmed to Metro Sports that due to a clause in Kumordzi's current contract, the player can leave Egaleo in Greece to join any club at the right price even though he still has 4 years to play out.

So the question for the young man is where next? Stay in Greece where AEK Athens have offered $2.5M or go to France where he may sell for less but would be guaranteed Champions League action with Lyon?

The choice is his to make.