Ransford Osei Signs For FC Twente

Black Satellites deputy skipper and goal poacher, Ransford Osei, yesterday signed a one-year loan deal with Dutch Eredivisie side, FC Twente Enschede, with an option for a two-year extension, ending weeks of speculation about his temporary move from Israeli champions, Maccabi Haifa.

This was just a day after the intelligent striker had gone through successful medicals in Holland.

A source close to an elated Osei told the Graphic Sports yesterday that the former former Kessben FC player is expected home today to conclude formalities on his work permit, among others, before rejoining his new club for pre-season preparation ahead of the Dutch division one league.

Osei caused sensation in the Africa Youth Championship in Rwanda early this year by winning both the Golden Ball (Best Player) and Golden Boot (Top Scorer with seven goals) awards, while helping Ghana to win her third continental title at that level.

That splendid performance sparked off a debate in the local media as to whether the player was ripe for the senior national team, the Black Stars, or not.

He has a three-year contract with Maccabi Haifa which runs out in 2012/13.

The decision by the Israeli champions to loan out the Ghanaian to FC Twente who were highly-interested in the player is to give the talented 18-year-old player more playing time elsewhere.

Osei played 12 matches for Maccabi Haifa and scored two goals in the 2009/2009 season.

In view of his transfer to FC Twente, Osei has asked to be excused from the Black Satellites’ two-match training tour of Switzerland between August 7 and 12.

It will be recalled that Osei earned his maiden invitation to the Black Stars on November 13, 2007 ahead of an international friendly against Togo in Accra during the era of French trainer, Claude Le Roy.