Ghanaian left-back Umar Ali has joined Asante Kotoko, returning to the Ghana Premier League after leaving club football in the United Arab Emirates. The 22-year-old defender completed the move on 25 August 2026 and has signed a contract with the Kumasi-based club until 30 June 2028.
Ali is a naturally left-footed defender whose preferred position is left-back. Standing at 1.77m, he adds another option to Asante Kotokos defensive group as the club prepares for the new campaign.
The move follows Alis departure from FC Baniyas, where he had been registered before becoming a free agent in July 2025. He joined Baniyas from the clubs under-17 side in July 2024, having spent part of his development in the UAE.
Ali made senior appearances in UAE domestic competitions during his time with Baniyas. He played twice in the UAE Pro League and also featured twice in the UAE League Cup, with 115 minutes recorded in the latter competition. He did not register a goal or assist in those appearances.
His switch to Asante Kotoko brings him back to Ghana and places him in the countrys top-flight competition. The defenders career to date has included youth and senior football in the UAE before his move to one of Ghanas established clubs.
Alis previous spell at Baniyas ended on 1 July 2025, after which he remained without a club until completing his move to Asante Kotoko. His new agreement gives him two seasons beyond the current campaign, with the contract scheduled to run through June 2028.
The defender is now part of Asante Kotokos squad and joins the club as a Ghanaian international-eligible player with experience of competitive football in the UAE. His arrival marks the latest stage of a career that began in the Baniyas youth system before progressing to senior-level competition.
Umar Ali has officially joined Asante Kotoko on a contract running until 30 June 2028.
