Asante Kotoko are preparing to part ways with striker Kwame Poku as the club begins a major rebuilding project ahead of the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season.
The former Ghana Under-23 international is expected to be among a number of players leaving the Porcupine Warriors as the club looks to reshape its squad after a disappointing campaign.
Kotoko are determined to return to competing for major honours next season, and the expected departures are part of a wider restructuring led by head coach Eric Tinkler and Director of Football Stanley Menzo.
Although the club has not yet officially confirmed the exits, reports suggest announcements regarding the players’ futures could be made in the coming days.
Poku’s Second Spell at Kotoko Nears an End
Kwame Poku rejoined Asante Kotoko in the summer of 2025 after returning to Ghana as a free agent.
The striker signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Kumasi-based club after ending his time abroad, where he had spells with Algerian side USM Alger and Moroccan club Olympique Khouribga.
His return was welcomed by many supporters who hoped his experience and attacking qualities would strengthen Kotoko’s forward line.
Having previously worn the famous red jersey, Poku arrived with the ambition of helping the club compete for domestic trophies once again.
However, things have not gone as planned during his second spell at the club.
Mixed Performances During the Season
Poku featured in 16 matches during the 2025/26 campaign and scored four goals.
While he showed flashes of his quality in front of goal, injuries, competition for places, and inconsistent team performances made it difficult for him to establish himself as one of the club’s leading players.
Like many members of the squad, he struggled to produce the consistency needed to help Kotoko challenge for the Ghana Premier League title.
The club’s disappointing season has prompted management to review the entire squad, with several experienced players now expected to move on.
Poku appears to be one of the biggest names included in those plans.
Major Changes Expected at Kotoko
According to a report by Kumasi-based Akoma FM, Asante Kotoko are preparing to release as many as 10 players before the start of the new season.
The expected departures form part of a significant rebuilding exercise aimed at improving the quality and balance of the squad.
Management believes fresh additions will provide greater competition for places while giving the coaching staff more tactical options.
The club is expected to strengthen several positions during the transfer window as preparations continue for the new campaign.
Supporters are now eagerly waiting to see which new signings will arrive to replace the outgoing players.
Eric Tinkler Leading the Rebuild
Head coach Eric Tinkler is expected to play a key role in shaping the next chapter of Asante Kotoko.
Working alongside Director of Football Stanley Menzo, the South African coach is focused on building a squad capable of challenging at the top of Ghanaian football once again.
The club’s leadership believes that changes are necessary after falling short of expectations last season.
Releasing several players will allow Kotoko to create space for new arrivals while also giving the coaching staff an opportunity to build a team that better suits Tinkler’s playing philosophy.
Every decision made during the transfer window is expected to be part of a long-term plan to restore the club’s status as one of Ghana’s dominant teams.
Official Confirmation Still Pending
Despite the growing reports surrounding Poku’s future, Asante Kotoko have not yet released an official statement confirming his departure.
The club is expected to communicate its decisions once all contractual matters have been finalized.
Until then, supporters will continue to wait for confirmation regarding which players will remain and which will leave before the start of the new season.
The coming days are likely to be busy at the club as management finalizes both outgoing and incoming transfers.
A New Opportunity for Poku
If Poku’s departure is confirmed, the striker will become one of the notable free agents available during the transfer window.
At 31 years old and with experience playing in Ghana, Algeria, and Morocco, he is expected to attract interest from clubs looking to add experience and proven attacking quality to their squads.
His time at Kotoko may not have produced the success many had hoped for, but his career has demonstrated that he possesses the qualities to make an impact in the right environment.
A fresh start could provide the opportunity to rediscover his best form and continue contributing at a high level.
Kotoko Focused on a Strong Comeback
For Asante Kotoko, the priority is building a squad capable of returning to the top of Ghanaian football.
The club has one of the richest histories in the country, and expectations remain high every season.
Supporters will hope the ongoing rebuild leads to improved performances, greater consistency, and a serious challenge for the Ghana Premier League title in the 2026/27 campaign.
While saying goodbye to familiar faces such as Kwame Poku may be difficult, the club believes the changes are necessary to begin a new era under Eric Tinkler.
The weeks ahead are expected to shape the future of the Porcupine Warriors as they continue preparations for what they hope will be a much more successful season.
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