In a dramatic twist in the Ghanaian transfer market, Accra Hearts of Oak have reportedly disrupted Asante Kotoko’s advanced talks to sign Walid Fuseini, submitting a more lucrative offer in a bid to lure the highly-rated midfielder to the capital.
The former Nsoatreman FC star was widely expected to complete a move to the Porcupine Warriors in the coming days. In fact, a scheduled meeting between the player and Kotoko’s hierarchy was reportedly called off following Hearts’ late intervention, which has now thrown the entire deal into uncertainty.
According to sources close to the situation, Hearts of Oak’s offer includes superior financial terms, a clearer role in the first team, and a long-term development plan that has reportedly caught the attention of Fuseini and his representatives. This calculated move has effectively reignited a transfer tug-of-war between Ghana’s two biggest clubs.
Who is Walid Fuseini?
Walid Fuseini emerged as one of the breakout stars of the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League season. Known for his technical ability, high work rate, and tactical awareness, the midfielder played a key role for Nsoatreman FC, helping them punch above their weight and consistently challenge more established clubs.
The 24-year-old is a box-to-box midfielder who excels at breaking up opposition play and transitioning the ball quickly from defense to attack. Fuseini’s ability to operate in tight spaces, combined with his energy and vision, make him an ideal fit for high-tempo football—traits that naturally appeal to both Hearts and Kotoko, whose styles rely heavily on midfield control.
His performances earned him widespread praise and caught the attention of top-flight scouts, making him one of the most in-demand midfielders in the ongoing transfer window.
Kotoko’s Plans Derailed
Asante Kotoko had reportedly been in advanced discussions with Fuseini, with technical director David Obeng Nyarko and head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum both said to be keen on adding the midfielder to their squad. The Kumasi giants are preparing for a hectic 2025/26 season, which includes domestic challenges and participation in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Fuseini was viewed as a ready-made replacement for outgoing midfielders and a player who could offer depth, mobility, and creativity in the heart of midfield. A meeting between the club and the player was scheduled to finalise personal terms and conduct initial medical assessments.
However, that plan has been shelved for now, as Fuseini’s camp weighs the improved proposal from their fiercest rivals.
This unexpected development has reportedly frustrated officials at Kotoko, who believed they had all but sealed the deal. While the club remains in the race, they now face the risk of losing a top target to their historic adversaries.
Hearts of Oak’s Bold Statement of Intent
Hearts of Oak’s late swoop for Walid Fuseini is more than just a transfer bid—it’s a bold declaration of their intent to dominate the upcoming season. The club, under head coach Aboubakar Ouattara, has been aggressively active in the transfer market, targeting key players across positions to reshape their squad following a below-par campaign.
The Phobians are reportedly looking to add depth and energy to their midfield, especially with several veterans either out of form or leaving. Fuseini, with his youth and proven Ghana Premier League experience, fits the club’s new profile of players who are hungry, technically gifted, and capable of executing high-intensity football.
The move also reflects Hearts’ renewed recruitment strategy, which focuses not just on outbidding rivals financially but also on offering a more detailed sporting project. Fuseini is believed to be drawn by the chance to play a leading role at a club aiming to return to its former glory, particularly with the promise of first-team opportunities and potential continental football.
Transfer Battle Mirrors Rivalry
The Hearts-Kotoko rivalry is arguably the fiercest in African club football, and this transfer saga has added another layer to their off-field competition. With both teams aiming to reassert dominance both domestically and continentally, securing high-value signings such as Fuseini becomes symbolic.
For Kotoko, losing out on the midfielder could dent their transfer momentum. The club has already moved to sign key players like Zakaria Fuseini and is in talks for others like Dacosta Owusu, as they look to build a balanced and competitive squad. Missing out on Walid Fuseini to their biggest rivals might be seen as a public relations and tactical loss.
For Hearts, winning this battle would mark their second major success in a competitive transfer scenario this window, following their reported hijacking of Emmanuel Sarpong’s proposed move elsewhere. It would also reassure fans that the club is serious about its restructuring plan under the new technical direction.
Player’s Camp Remains Tight-Lipped
Walid Fuseini’s representatives have remained quiet publicly but are believed to be carefully evaluating both offers. While Kotoko had the advantage of early negotiations and sporting continuity, Hearts’ improved financial package and clearer role for Fuseini have altered the landscape.
Multiple factors are likely to influence the midfielder’s decision:
Guaranteed playing time in a key role.
Technical project and playing style under each coach.
Financial stability and contract duration.
Exposure in CAF competitions.
Long-term career pathway, including potential moves abroad.
With pre-season training camps approaching for both clubs, Fuseini’s decision is expected within the next week, as both suitors aim to finalise their squads before competitive action resumes.
What This Means for the Transfer Window
This developing saga underscores just how competitive and volatile the Ghana Premier League transfer market has become. As the stature and ambitions of clubs like Hearts and Kotoko grow—especially with CAF competitions in sight—transfer activities are taking on greater significance.
More than ever, top players are being courted with multi-dimensional offers, not just wages. Sporting clarity, personal development, exposure, and player welfare are now major factors in determining where the best local talents choose to play.
With more clubs strengthening their scouting departments and technical teams, and as media coverage expands, transfer hijacks like this are likely to become more frequent, further intensifying rivalries and drama off the pitch.
Conclusion: Fuseini Holds the Cards
As things stand, Walid Fuseini is at the centre of a high-stakes showdown between Ghana’s most iconic clubs. Both Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko have laid out their offers and visions—now it’s up to the player to choose his path.
Wherever he ends up, this transfer saga will be remembered as one of the defining stories of the 2025 off-season, and possibly a turning point for either club’s fortunes.
