At the age of 27, and with nine professional clubs already behind him, Richmond Boakye may not exactly be the hottest property in world football. However, his exploits with current employers Red Star Belgrade are starting to grab the headlines.
After a frustrating career in Italy, Holland, and Spain, the Ghanain international striker has found a home in the Serbian capital; but is Boayke’s stay in the SuperLiga about to come to an end?
Impressive Stats
It’s fair to say that Boakye’s goal tallies at previous clubs had given little indication of his future success at Red Star. Initial promise at Genoa attracted the attention of Juventus, but the attacker was loaned out and eventually sold on without ever making an appearance for the Turin giants.
After spells with Elche, Atalanta, and Roda, Boakye eventually landed in Belgrade where his scoring statistics have been transformed. In two spells with Red Star, he’s returned 57 goals in 85 games - and those are the type of numbers that will get any side interested.
Who will make a move?
Critics may question the competitive nature of top flight soccer in Serbia. We see that football betting sites like Space Casino place Red Star as red hot favourites at the start of each campaign and, as the club lines up a third straight title at the end of 2019/20, that’s no great surprise.
Key striker Boakye may have an easier time against Serbian defences than he did in Serie A, but his impressive strike rate in the SuperLiga deserves attention. Chelsea have been linked in the past. and the English Premier League side may look to return for the player when the transfer window re-opens.
Chelsea will surely have some competition for Boakye’s signature, but is it the right move for the player?
What Next?
While there is the obvious question as to whether clubs will take a gamble on Boakye, it has to be asked whether it’s right for the striker to move away from Belgrade. Having made his professional debut in 2010, the Ghanaian spent several years as a journeyman player before finally finding a home with Red Star. He’s a fans favourite, and there’s no doubt that he can win more medals in Serbian top flight football.
Remaining with his current employers would be seen as a safe option by some, but Boakye has enjoyed success in Serbia, and there is a near-guarantee that he would continue to be a star player among the squad.
Red Star Belgrade, 1991. pic.twitter.com/pDjh1Ild6e
— 90s Football (@90sfootball) May 18, 2020
At another club, it’s possible that the Ghanain International may have to wait his turn on the bench - which would be frustrating at this stage of his career.
To counter that argument, there is the overwhelming feeling that Boakye has one last chance to provide himself at the highest level and that this is the time to make that move.
A fascinating few weeks lies ahead, but should Richmond Boakye make that switch into the unknown, or should he continue to impress in the familiar surroundings at Red Star Belgrade?