Obodai To Move To England

Ghanaian midfielder Anthony Obodai is set to join English championship side Luton on a free transfer.

The 23-year-old's contract with the Dutch team Ajax Amsterdam expired last month.

Obodai and his agent held talks with officials of the English championship side this afternoon about his personal terms.

“We had very good negotiation with the club and I am pleased with the offer they have given me,” Obodai told Ghanaweb.

“The coaches and the playing body are happy to see me here and I am also happy to bring my experience to them and to help the team qualify for the premiership next season.”

Obodai joined the junior team of the Dutch side in 2001 and was loaned out to the Belgian first division team Germinal Beerschot in 2002 where he had a very good season with the senior side.

His good form in Belgium prompted Ronald Koeman, the then head coach of Ajax, to recall him to Holland but this time to join the senior squad in 2003.

The departure of Ronald Koeman as the coach of Ajax Amsterdam six months ago made things difficult for the Ghanaian midfielder.

“Ajax is a very good team but with the changes in the coaching staff things became difficult as I was played out of my normal position,” he said.

“Therefore I need to make a move to ensure that I play football regularly and to be in good form to fight to place in the national team of Ghana.”

The 23-year-old turned down offers from first division clubs in Holland, Belgium and Spain to head for England.

“Even though are have almost concluded the deal, there are a number of important issues still to be resolved,” said Obodai.

The deal is expected to be concluded on Friday.