Unlike last season, when no Ghanaian players were relegated from the Premier League, this season saw three. However, it could have been more given that many Ghanaian players and their teams were involved in a relegation battle near the end of the season.
Thomas Partey and Tariq Lamptey, two of the nine Ghanaians, had top-half finishes with Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion, respectively. Andre Ayew (Nottingham Forest), Jordan Ayew and Jeffrey Schlupp (both Crystal Palace), Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth), Daniel Amartey (Leicester City), and Mohammed Salisu and Kamaldeen Sulemana (both Southampton) finished in the bottom half. Surprisingly, three of the top-half finishers were demoted.
Let’s take a closer look at the Ghanaian players who were relegated from the Premier League:
Daniel Amartey – Leicester City
After seven years of helping Leicester clinch an unprecedented league title, Amartey had a relatively underwhelming season as the Foxes suffered relegation. He made 20 appearances but didn’t perform at his best on many occasions. It is expected that he will leave the club, with offers coming from Italy. His contract is set to expire at the end of June.
Kamaldeen Sulemana – Southampton
Sulemana was brought in during the January transfer window to try and help Southampton salvage their season. Despite scoring two goals, both of them came after the club had already been relegated. The winger has garnered attention across Europe and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him leave after just six months, despite having a contract until 2027.
Mohammed Salisu – Southampton
Southampton’s relegation could have been partly avoided if Salisu had been fit throughout the season. However, he struggled with injuries, and in his absence, the Saints faced defensive issues, leading to their relegation. Salisu, valued at 18 million euros, has been linked with a move away from the club, and Southampton should be keen to capitalise on his market value.