"The English Premier League Trophy on Dis" (CC BY 2.0) by edwin.11
It’s the most prestigious achievement in English football, not just for winning the title itself, but also for automatically opening the door to European Champions League action, and all the extra income this can generate.
While there are relatively few Ghanaian international players in the Premier League, four teams do number them in their ranks. So we thought we’d take a look at who, if any of them, could play a part in clinching the title for their team in the 2020/21 season.
Thomas Agyepong (Man City)
Surely the player with the biggest chance of success is Manchester City’s Thomas Agyepong. The 23-year-old winger has spent much of his time on loan, as well as making no less than six appearances for the Ghanaian national team. After the disappointment of being left in the wake of Liverpool last season, Pep Guardiola’s team are odds-on favorites in Premier League betting to carry off the title this year. That said, it's likely that it won’t be Agyepong, but Kevin De Bruyne, who will be the player who will be decisive if City are to emerge victorious.
Baba Rahman (Chelsea)
Following a strong start to his managerial career in which he propelled his former club to a number 4 position in the league last season, expectations are high that Frank Lampard could well improve on this in the 2020/21 season. Baba Rahman may not feature too heavily in his plans, but if he does need to call on a back-up defender, he could be a good choice. But, at around 10-1 to finish top of the league, the Blues will have their work cut out to overcome the might of Liverpool and Manchester City.
Christian Atsu (Newcastle)
"Ghana attack with Christian Atsu" (CC BY 2.0) by Ben Sutherland
Despite owner Mike Ashley’s attempts to push through a sale of the Tyneside outfit seemingly being thwarted by the league, the club remains hopeful of a better season than last. Admittedly, this is very unlikely to include carrying off any silverware, but stranger things have happened in the past, as Leicester fans can attest. Winger Atsu is three years into his four-year £6.3 million contract and will be wanting to make a good impression this season to strengthen his negotiating position. Whether he has the right opportunities to do this at St. James’ Park this season remains to be seen.
Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace)
For anyone who likes to take a really long shot, then the 1000-1 outsiders for the title might be a good choice. Since signing for the South London club in 2019, Ayew was the highest scorer for the club with 9 goals, including Goal of the Season. He was also named Player of the Year for his contribution. So he might not be in with a chance of league glory but, working in tandem with fellow West African Wilfried Zaha, he could be responsible for some surprise results along the way.
So, it’s fingers crossed that come next May, one of these players will be adding a Premier League winner’s medal to their trophy cabinet – as well as becoming the toast of Ghana.