The AS Monaco centre-back suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during a league encounter against Olympique Lyonnais in January.

Salisu has since undergone successful surgery and has begun light rehabilitation work in the gym as part of his recovery.

Following a recent visit to the player in France, Dr Pambo disclosed that the 26-year-old faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines, estimating a nine-month recovery period.

“Mohammed Salisu will miss the World Cup; his knee injury requires nine months to recover,” Dr Pambo told Asempa FM.

The Black Stars’ medical head also provided an update on midfielder Francis Abu, who sustained an ankle injury during Ghana’s Kirin Cup clash against Japan in November.

“Francis Abu was expected to recover within five to six months after surgery, but he is responding well to treatment,” Dr Pambo added.

Meanwhile, Ghana will open their Group L campaign against Panama before facing England and Croatia in subsequent fixtures. The Black Stars are expected to regroup in March for international friendly matches against Austria and Germany.

Head coach Otto Addo is scheduled to announce his final squad for the tournament on June 1.

French side AS Monaco confirmed that the centre-back suffered a tear in his left knee during a match against Olympique Lyonnais in January.

Before the setback, Salisu had established himself as a key figure in Monaco’s defence, stepping in impressively for Eric Dier and Soungoutou Magassa. His commanding performances brought much-needed stability to the club’s backline.

The 26-year-old underwent successful surgery and has now returned to the gym as he works steadily towards full fitness.

As part of efforts to support injured players ahead of the FIFA World Cup in June, Black Stars team doctor Prince Pambo visited Salisu in Monaco. Dr Pambo is expected to continue his visits in France, including a scheduled meeting with Francis Abu on Wednesday.

The former Southampton defender made his debut for Ghana on September 23, 2022, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 3-0 friendly defeat to Brazil.

Salisu has featured in seven FIFA World Cup qualifiers, scoring two goals as Ghana secured qualification for the tournament in North America.

However, it remains unclear whether he will recover in time for the global showpiece, which begins on June 11, as he has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

The Black Stars are stepping up preparations for the World Cup, with efforts underway to ensure all players are in peak condition for the tournament.

Ghana will open their Group L campaign against Panama before facing England and Croatia in their remaining group matches.

The AS Monaco defender sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during a French Ligue 1 encounter against Olympique Lyonnais, an incident that has sidelined him for the rest of the season.

The setback is also expected to rule the 26-year-old out of contention for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Following a successful surgery, Addo met Salisu to offer encouragement and reassurance. The Black Stars coach used the opportunity to discuss Ghana’s World Cup ambitions while providing personal support as the defender begins the long road to recovery.

Prior to the injury, Salisu had established himself as a key figure in Monaco’s defence, delivering consistent performances in the absence of Soungoutou Magassa Mawissa and experienced campaigner Eric Dier. He featured in 12 matches across all competitions this season, contributing one goal.

Addo has recently adopted a proactive approach in maintaining close contact with his players, making similar visits to Abdul Mumin, Mohammed Kudus, Ernest Nuamah, and other Black Stars players recovering from various injuries.

The Black Stars coach is expected to announce his final World Cup squad on June 1.

The 25-year-old centre-back suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, confirmed by French side AS Monaco this summer, casting serious doubt over his participation in the tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Speaking to 3Sports, Kingston, who now coaches Uganda’s youth national teams, stressed the impact Salisu’s absence could have on the squad.

“It’s a very big blow for us because he is such an important figure at the back,” Kingston, who now coaches Uganda’s junior national teams, said.

“When you talk about experienced players at our back line, I think if he’s one of them and it’s going to be a very big blow for us,” he added. 

Salisu has been central to the Black Stars’ defence, forming a reliable partnership with Alexander Djiku in recent matches.

Black Stars head coach Otto Addo is expected to unveil his final World Cup squad on June 1.

The AS Monaco centre-back is expected to miss the remainder of the season after picking up the injury during his side’s 3–1 defeat to Olympique Lyonnais at the Stade Louis II on Saturday, January 3.

Monaco confirmed on Monday that Salisu suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, placing his immediate future, and potential involvement in the World Cup, in serious doubt.

The development has compounded the club’s injury concerns, marking a second successive match in which a Monaco player has sustained an ACL setback.

Before the injury, Salisu had cemented his place in the starting line-up, stepping in impressively amid the absence of Soungoutou Magassa Mawissa and veteran defender Eric Dier.

His commanding performances brought much-needed stability to Monaco’s defence and underlined his growing influence at the club.

The blow is equally significant for Ghana. The 25-year-old has been a key figure for the four-time Africa Cup of Nations champions, forming a dependable central defensive partnership with Alexander Djiku.

Beyond his defensive solidity, Salisu has also contributed at the other end of the pitch, memorably scoring in Ghana’s famous victory over South Korea at the 2022 World Cup.

Salisu has featured in 12 matches across all competitions this season, scoring once.

Meanwhile, Black Stars head coach Otto Addo is expected to announce his final squad for the tournament on June 1.

Salisu impressed throughout the full 90 minutes, topping the UEFA Technical Observer ratings despite conceding a late equaliser.

Monaco took the lead when Takumi Minamino calmly converted in the fifth minute, but Pafos quickly responded as former Chelsea defender David Luiz powered in a header from a corner just 13 minutes later.

The French side regained the lead minutes later, with Folarin Balogun slotting home following a goalkeeping error by Neofytos Michail.

Pafos forced a dramatic late equaliser when Ivan Sunjic’s shot struck the bar and deflected off Salisu past the goalkeeper.

Salisu’s influence was evident in his 54 completed passes and 14 crucial defensive interventions, highlighting his leadership at the heart of Monaco’s backline.

The 26-year-old will aim to continue his strong form when Monaco host reigning champions PSG at Stade Louis II on Saturday.

The 26-year-old centre-back, who joined AS Monaco from Southampton in 2023, endured limited game time last season and is yet to feature in the ongoing 2025/26 campaign.

Palace have reportedly opened talks with the Ligue 1 outfit as they seek to strengthen their defence, particularly with England defender Marc Guéhi strongly linked with a move to Liverpool before the window shuts on Monday, October 1.

Salisu is also attracting interest from Greek giants Olympiakos, though no agreement has been reached, with the player said to be weighing his options.

For now, the former Southampton defender is focused on international duty, having been named in Ghana’s 24-man squad for next month’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The Black Stars will face Chad on September 4 before hosting Mali four days later, with Salisu expected to join camp in Accra on September 1.

The 24-year-old centre-back played a key role in Monaco’s comeback to secure a 2-2 draw against Dinamo Zagreb at Stadion Maksimir.

Salisu found the back of the net in the 74th minute, heading in a corner from Maghnes Akliouche to reduce the deficit.

Monaco’s captain, Denis Zakaria, later equalized with a stoppage-time penalty, ensuring the French Ligue 1 side left with a valuable point.

This marked Salisu’s first UEFA Champions League goal and his first competitive goal for Monaco since joining the club in 2023.

Other standout players named in the Team of the Week include Barcelona’s Raphinha, Borussia Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez, and Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic.

The Champions League will pause for two weeks, with matchday three scheduled for October 22 and 23.

Meanwhile, Salisu is expected to be called up to the Black Stars for their AFCON 2025 qualifier doubleheader against Sudan later this month.

The Ghanaian defender views this match as a crucial test, especially given Monaco’s impressive unbeaten start to the Ligue 1 season.

“Yeah, I think this will be my debut in the Champions League and it’s an important game for the team and for me as well so we need to focus on the game,” Salisu remarked in an exclusive interview with Flashscore.

This won’t be Salisu’s first encounter with the Catalan giants. During his tenure at Real Valladolid, he faced Barcelona multiple times in La Liga, gaining valuable experience against one of Europe’s elite clubs. More recently, Salisu was part of the Monaco squad that stunned Barcelona with a 3-0 victory in the pre-season Gamper Trophy.

However, the landscape has shifted dramatically since that pre-season clash. Barcelona has hit a rich vein of form, winning every game and currently sitting top of La Liga. This resurgence presents a formidable challenge for Salisu and his Monaco teammates.

Despite Barcelona’s current form, Salisu remains confident, drawing from his recent experience against the Spanish side.

“Yeah it wasn’t an easy game but we won and you know how they play and you know how they have good players up front, dangerous so just need to you know go with everything we have like we played last time,” he stated.

Salisu’s cautious optimism reflects the delicate balance between respecting Barcelona’s quality and maintaining belief in Monaco’s ability to compete at the highest level.

The two sides will face off on Thursday as the new format of the Champions League kicks off this week.

But it’s not only European players who participate in the Premier League – we are lucky enough to have some incredibly talented Ghanaian players grace the pitch too.

This article will examine a couple of the best Ghanaian players in the Premier League, discussing their talents, unique traits, and teams. Let’s get right into it.

Thomas Partey

First up, we have Thomas Partey This player has established himself as one of the key contributors for Arsenal since his transfer from Atlético Madrid in 2020.

His commanding presence in midfield has brought stability and dynamism to the Gunners’ lineup.

Known for his exceptional tackling, precise passing, and ability to read the game, Partey has become an indispensable part of Mikel Arteta’s plans.

Partey’s performances have been instrumental in Arsenal’s push for a top-four finish and return to European competitions.

His versatility allows him to operate effectively as a defensive midfielder or a box-to-box presence, making him a crucial asset in various tactical setups.

Fans and pundits alike have praised his work ethic and leadership on the pitch, highlighting his importance to the team.

Mohammed Salisu

Another Ghanaian making waves in the Premier League is Mohammed Salisu of Southampton.

Since joining the Saints from Real Valladolid in 2020, Salisu has become one of the league’s most promising young defenders.

His physicality, calmness under pressure and strong aerial ability make him a formidable opponent for any attacker.

Salisu’s growth has been evident, with consistent performances earning him plaudits from fans and critics. His ability to intercept passes and his strength in one-on-one situations have solidified his place in Southampton’s defence.

As he continues gaining experience, Salisu is expected to become a central figure for his club and the Ghana national team.

Tariq Lamptey

Brighton & Hove Albion’s Tariq Lamptey is another Ghanaian talent who has captured attention with his electrifying pace and attacking prowess from the right-back position.

Although born in England, Lamptey is of Ghanaian descent and has expressed interest in representing Ghana internationally.

His rapid rise began at Chelsea’s youth academy before significantly impacting Brighton.

Lamptey’s ability to surge forward and create opportunities from the flank has made him a vital player for Graham Potter’s side, and it’s no surprise he’s a 10bet secure Football betting online favourite.

Despite facing injury challenges, his resilience and dedication to his craft have seen him bounce back stronger.

Lamptey’s contributions on both ends of the pitch make him one of the most exciting young full-backs in the Premier League.

Jeffrey Schlupp

Jeffrey Schlupp of Crystal Palace brings a wealth of experience and versatility. He can play as a winger, full-back, or midfielder, and his adaptability has been a valuable asset for the Eagles.

His career in the Premier League began with Leicester City, where he was part of the historic title-winning squad in the 2015-16 season.

Schlupp’s speed, strength, and tactical awareness enable him to perform effectively in multiple roles.

At Crystal Palace, his contributions are not limited to defensive duties; he also poses a significant threat going forward, often involved in key attacking plays.

Schlupp’s blend of experience and flexibility makes him a crucial player for his club and his country.

Jordan Ayew

Jordan Ayew has consistently performed for Crystal Palace since his move from Swansea City.

Known for his work rate, technical ability, and knack for scoring important goals, Ayew has cemented his place in the Premier League.

His versatility allows him to play across the front line, making him a valuable option for the Eagles’ attack.

Ayew’s international experience with Ghana adds to his profile, bringing a blend of flair and grit to his game.

His ability to hold up play, link with teammates, and press opponents has made him a favourite among Palace supporters.

Ayew’s contributions are often crucial in tight matches, showcasing his importance to the team’s overall strategy.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it – you now know some of the best Ghanaian players in the Premier League. While Ghana doesn’t have the best representation in the Premier League, there are still droves of incredibly talented players who grace Premier League pitches.

There are certainly more talented Ghanaian players out there than we couldn’t mention in this article, so don’t be offended if your favourite didn’t pop up. See you next time!

Speaking to the players at the University of Ghana Stadium on Friday, May 31, 2024, after their first training session, Okraku highlighted the importance of the upcoming matches.

He expressed his confidence in the team’s ability to deliver a strong performance in Bamako, the capital of Mali, during their crucial first game.

“The importance of these two assignments, I believe, is not lost on anyone of you. All of you know how important it is for us to get back on track. I trust you! The nation trusts all of you! The whole of Ghana is behind all of you and it is important we stay keenly focused on the two games that lie ahead of us,” he said.

“I believe we will go to Mali with all the confidence and quality that we have and put up a good performance that will give us the desired result. This is possible.

“After that, we come back to our beloved Kumasi and, God willing, finish off the CAR game. On behalf of the FA and Ghanaians, I wish all of us well. Let’s train well and get ready for the trip to Bamako,” he added.

The qualifier against Mali is scheduled for Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Stade 26 Mars in Bamako, kicking off at 19:00. Following that, Ghana will face the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Monday, June 10, 2024.

Currently sitting 4th in Group I, the Black Stars aim to secure victories in both games to boost their chances of qualifying for the World Cup, which will be hosted in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Ghana is slated to visit the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako for the third matchday fixture on June 6, with kickoff set for 19:00 GMT.

Speaking after a rigorous training session at Legon’s University of Ghana Stadium, Salisu stressed the formidable nature of the Malian squad and underscored the necessity for comprehensive preparation.

“It’s clear Mali won’t be an easy opponent. They boast a strong team, and we must ready ourselves accordingly,” Salisu remarked to the press.

The Black Stars have encountered a mixed bag of results in Group I, securing a narrow 1-0 win over Madagascar in Kumasi before suffering a similar defeat against Comoros in Moroni.

Currently occupying the fourth spot in the group standings, Ghana is keen on returning to winning ways to bolster their chances of World Cup qualification, set to take place in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Following the Mali encounter, Ghana will square off against the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Monday, June 10, 2024.

After Ghana’s defeat to Mozambique, which marked the end of their AFCON campaign, the 24-year-old was observed in the mixed zone expressing a desire to confront a journalist whom he believed had insulted him.

Salisu’s comments faced widespread criticism from fans, particularly in light of his perceived underwhelming performances during the tournament.

Almost a week after Ghana’s disappointing 2-2 draw against Mozambique, where they conceded two goals in added time, Salisu took to social media to express remorse for the incident that transpired in Côte d’Ivoire.

“It’s with deepest regret that I am writing to you about our disappointing campaign in the 2023 AFCON,” the Monaco defender wrote on Instagram.

“As you all know we went with the intention of bringing the Trophy home but it was rather unfortunate that we were eliminated from the tournament in the group stage. We gave absolutely everything but we were unable to secure the necessary wins to keep us in the tournament.

“Aside all, I feel so disappointed that I couldn’t help my country to regain its past glory. With full assurance, we promise to come back stronger…for our beloved country.

“My actions to the media were out of frustration. We went to the 2023 AFCON to win the trophy but things didn’t go as planned. Everyone will bear me witness the last game was unacceptable so the fans have every right to criticize us but not to the extent of insult and threats.

“Nevertheless I want to render an unqualified apology to whoever I offend. We never wanted this result. We will come stronger. Thank you for your tremendous support.”

Mohammed Salisu returned to action for Monaco on Saturday, playing the full 90 minutes in their 2-2 draw with Olympique Marseille.

In the second Group B game against the Pharaohs, the Black Stars surrendered their lead twice, concluding the encounter in a 2-2 draw.

Despite Kudus scoring a brace for Ghana, individual errors were exploited by Omar Marmoush and Mostafa Mohamed.

After the game, Salisu underscored the need for collective responsibility, urging teammates not to blame each other.

“We win and lose as a team; there is no room for singling out individual mistakes,” the AS Monaco central defender emphasized.

“Mistakes happen collectively, and when you point fingers, you affect the player’s confidence for the next game. Our focus should be on the upcoming match, he added.

Ghana will face Mozambique on Monday, January 22 at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in their final group game and must win to book a place in the last 16. Kick-off is scheduled at 20:00GMT.

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The Ghana defender made an injury return in Monaco’s 2-1 win over Stade Rennes in the French Ligue 1 on Saturday.

Salisu played in the entire duration of the game on the left side of a three-man unit in the backline and went on to make two interceptions.

Speaking on Salisu’s return, Fofana, who captained Monaco in the Rennes game praised the 23-year-old for his impressive performance.

“This evening we saw it in his performance, he immediately was in form he showed us that we can count on him. It does him a lot of good to come back to competition,” he said.

“He trained for a long time away from the group, sometimes two sessions a day. We saw him every day, he worked hard,” he added.

The win moves Monaco to second place in the league standings behind PSG at the time of writing.

Monaco plays Olympique Lyon next on Friday, December 15 in a game that could have Salisu face fellow Black Stars player, Ernest Nuamah.

Salisu has been out of action due to an injury since joining the French Ligue 1 side during the summer transfer window from Southampton.

However, the 24-year-old could make his first competitive appearance for the club later tonight at the Parc des Princes.

The Ligue 1 side paid the Saints about 15 million euros ($16.53 million) for the defender.

Monaco are currently 3rd in Ligue 1 after 12 matches, 3 points behind leaders PSG.

Salisu made his Ghana debut in September 2022 in a 3–0 friendly defeat by Brazil.

He was then called up by manager Otto Addo for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar where he started all three group games, scoring in Ghana’s only victory over South Korea.

Salisu will hope to stay fit ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) slated to be hosted in Ivory Coast next year.

The surgery will keep the 24-year-old out for further weeks as confirmed by the club.

Salisu joined the French Ligue 1 side this summer from Southampton but his debut has been delayed due to a setback.

He was expected to return to training after the international break as confirmed by Adi Hütter, who is AS Monaco coach.

However, it has now been determined that Salisu will undergo surgery to address his pubalgia, a lingering groin issue that has affected him since his arrival in the Principality. 

AS Monaco’s official statement noted, “Following persistent pain during the international break, Mohamed Salisu (pubalgia) will undergo a surgical intervention in the coming days.”

The statement did not specify the duration of Salisu’s absence from play. 

The €15 million signing has yet to make his debut for Monaco, and this surgery will delay his anticipated entry onto the field.

Salisu is likely to miss Ghana’s international friendly games against the USA and Mexico next month.

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The Ghana defender joined Monaco this summer in a deal worth 15 million euros from Southampton following their relegation to the English Championship.

In his first official meet with the press, Salisu outlined getting in shape and staying in shape as part of the goals he aims to achieve with Monaco after missing league games since March due to a knee injury.

“Last season was difficult for me, I had some physical issues. Currently, I am working hard on a daily basis to be ready as soon as possible and to be available to the coach and the squad,” he said.

“My goal is to get back in shape fairly quickly, but above all to stay in shape for the long term,” he added.

He featured in two Southampton preseason games before moving to France and is aiming to ramp up work to get back in action.

Salisu missed Ghana’s 2023 AFCON qualifiers against Angola and Madagascar due to the injury and his return for Ghana’s crucial game against Central African Republic.

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The 24-year-old completed his move from Championship side, Southampton to the French Ligue 1 side on a five-year deal.

“AS Monaco is pleased to announce the arrival of central defender Mohammed Salisu from Southampton Football Club. The Ghanaian international, 24, has signed up for 5 seasons and is now linked with the Monegasque club until June 2028,” the French club said.

In a video message to fans of AS Monaco after his official unveiling, Salisu said he cannot wait to get started at his new club.

“Hi, Mohammed Salisu here, I’m looking forward to playing at the Stadium. I can’t wait to see you,” the Black Stars defender indicated.

Mohammed Salisu has been signed with a lot of expectations to augment the squad of AS Monaco.

In the last few years, he has developed his game and is now regarded as one of the top defenders in the world.

He was part of the Black Stars squad that featured at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

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The 24-year-old joined the former champions from Southampton. Salisu has signed a five-year deal with the club.

“AS Monaco is pleased to announce the arrival of central defender Mohammed Salisu from Southampton Football Club. The Ghanaian international, 24, has signed up for 5 seasons and is now linked with the Monegasque club until June 2028,” the French Ligue 1 outfit said.

Mohammed Salisu is ready to continue his development while helping the side to achieve success.

He has a lot of potential and has already shown in the English Premier League that he is a top defender.

In him, AS Monaco has a strong and powerful centre-back with a towering presence.

Salisu featured at the 2022 World Cup with the Black Stars in Qatar.

The 23-year-old will join Monaco from Premier League side, Southampton in a deal worth £17 million deal.

Salisu steps in as a replacement for Axel Disasi, who left the club to join Premier League giants Chelsea.

He is expected to have his mandatory medicals today before the official announcement.

Earlier this month, Fulham was close to securing the Ghanaian player for £15 million, but they redirected their efforts to sign Calvin Bassey instead.

Having last played for Southampton in March, Salisu’s absence towards the end of the season raised concerns about his commitment and application during his recovery from injury.

With his Southampton contract expiring next summer and talks about an extension proving unsuccessful, it became clear that Salisu was unlikely to stay with the club following their relegation to the Championship.

During the previous Premier League season, Salisu featured in 22 games for Southampton, showcasing his defensive skills and talent.

The defender had joined Southampton, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, for €12m from Spanish club Real Valladolid back in August 2020.

Salisu tallied 80 appearances for The Saints across three seasons, which included just one goal and one assist.

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The 24-year-old will fly to Monaco to have his medicals next week after agreeing personal terms.

Salisu was not included in the Southampton squad for their pre-season friendlies against AZ Alkmaar on Saturday or Bournemouth on Tuesday.

Fulham had been close to agreeing a £15million deal to sign Salisu earlier this month before Marco Silva’s side switched their attentions to a successful pursuit of Calvin Bassey.

Salisu made his last appearance for Southampton in March. He was left out towards the end of the season due to issues with his commitment and application in working back from injury.

He, however, featured 22 times in the Premier League last season.

His Southampton contract expires next summer and, having previously held talks over extending his deal, looked unlikely to stay following the club’s relegation to the Championship.Mohammed Salisu was part of the Black Stars squad that featured at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and scored just a goal.

The Saints were beaten at home by Fulham on Saturday afternoon.

Heading into the game, Southampton needed a win to keep their chances of survival alive despite sitting at the bottom of the league log with 24 points after 36 games played.

Goals from Carlos Vinicius and Aleksandar Mitrović secured the win for Marco Silva’s side.

Salisu, 24, joined the Saints from Real Valladolid in the summer transfer window of 2020 and has since become a key player for the team.

Unfortunately, injuries this season has meant that he missed a lot of games.

Sulemana on the other hand only joined Southampton in the winter transfer window. He was recruited from Stade Rennes to strengthen the squad of the Saints in a bid to avoid relegation.

Although he has done well, it has not made any significant difference for Southampton.

However, the pair will play in the English Skybet Championship next season following the relegation from the Premier League after 11 years.

Southampton will now wrap up their campaign against Brighton and Liverpool.

The centre-back was exiled from the squads that faced West Ham and Manchester City as Premier League action resumed after the international break, with both ties ending in defeat for the relegation-stricken side. 

Whilst the club has blamed the absence on an ‘unspecified injury’ picked up whilst on duty for the Ghanaian national team, Salisu returned to training last week. 

According to The Athletic, the 23-year-old is instead considering his options after prolonging discussions over a new deal to keep him at St Mary’s for more than a year. 

The Black Stars player signed for Southampton in the summer of 2020 from Real Valladolid, after attracting a raft of suitors – including Manchester United and Rennes –  but is entering the last 12 months of his contract, which expires in the summer of 2024.

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With Southampton sitting rock-bottom in table after a lacklustre season, a number of players with time running down on their deals with the Saints are waiting to see if the club is relegated at the end of the season before working out their next move. 

Having recorded just two wins since the mid-February, Southampton could be facing their first spell in the Championship since 2011/12. 

Newcastle are said to be interested in adding the defender to their squad as they look for greater depth in the hope of adding European football to their fixture list this season. 

Discussions have been further complicated by intricacies within the organisation which represents the player. 

Salisu’s agency, JM 10 – which was founded by the father of Chelsea and United star Juan Mata – was acquired by CAA Base last season, and this presented additional complexities. 

The player has made 80 appearances for the club since joining for a £10.9million fee two-and-a-half years ago and has been an important presence that the club, trapped in a relegation battle, can ill afford to go without for much longer. 

The four-time African champions will host Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium in the matchday three games of the qualifiers.

Hughton has all his 25-man squad invited for the games but the Southampton central defender is likely to sit out of the game due to fitness concerns.

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“Our only injury concern is Salisu; he’s a doubt for the game because he’s suffered some recent injuries at his club,” he told the media at a presser ahead of his first game as the head coach of the team.

Prior to the international break, Salisu had seen just 83 minutes of the last four games, with those minutes coming in the 3-3 draw against Tottenham Hotspur, where he came on as a substitute.

The fixture against Angola is scheduled to kick off at 16:00 GMT.

The Black Stars will travel to Luanda for the reverse game on March 27 in the matchday four games.

The hosts struck their first goal in the competition this season on 17 minutes when Scott Arfield was allowed to wander into space through the middle and a rifle a low shot beyond Alisson.

The Merseysiders responded and Firmino headed home a right-wing corner seven minutes later.

Liverpool dominated throughout the second half and Firmino snared his eighth goal of the season to polish off Joe Gomez’s excellent cross on 55 minutes.

Darwin Nunez then made sure of the points with a superb low finish from Firmino’s delightful flick past the hour.

Salah then came off the bench to rub salt in the wounds of the home defenders with a magnificent hat-trick inside seven minutes before Harvey Elliott knocked in a rebound.

The result means Liverpool strengthen their grip on second place in the pool with nine points from four games played. Napoli are first with 12 points and have qualified for the Last 16. Ajax are third on three while Rangers remain pointless and bow out of the competition.

Next up, Liverpool host champions Man City in the Premier League on Sunday. Rangers visit Motherwell in the SPL on the same day.

The 23-year-old has been on the radar of the GFA for more than two years in a bid to lure him to play for Ghana.

The former Real Valladolid player held talks with various coaches of the senior national team since 2019, firstly under then trainer Kwasi Appiah, then Charles Akonnor before subsequently with Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac and new head coach Otto Addo.

Salisu was recently visited in the UK by GFA president Kurt Okraku and it is believed the defender gave him his word that he will be available for the Black Stars ahead of the World Cup.

The 30-month Salisu chase

In 2019, Salisu was invited for the Africa Cup of Nations but declined due to an injury he picked up with Real Valladolid.

Subsequently, the defender kept rejecting invitations citing lack of readiness as his reason. A stance later confirmed by former Black Stars coach Akonnor during a press briefing. The coach after Joy Sports asked about Salisu stated: “With Mohammed Salisu, you need check. The other day he said when he is ready, he will let us know. I don’t know, maybe. He said when he is ready, and up till now, I don’t know if he is ready or not. So I won’t be able to answer that.”

In 2021, the Southampton player reiterated his position on playing for the Black Stars in the future. In an interview with MozzartSport Kenya, he said: “I’ll be so proud to play to my country, to play with Ghana, the national team. But I think this is not the right moment to play in the national team. I think I need to focus on the club side because I am young, I think I need to focus on the club first and then after, when everything is fine, I can go and play for Ghana.”

Sources close to Salisu told Joy Sports the player wanted to be fully fit and integrated into the Saints team and also wanted to become one of the best defenders in the world before he would consider playing for the Black Stars. A thought which is understandable considering how the center back’s development was fast-tracked.

So what changed?

No doubt Ghana qualifying for the 2022 World Cup played a role in Salisu’s decision. After securing qualification, the technical body piled pressure on the GFA to help assemble Ghana’s best talent worldwide.

It’s for that reason there have been several reports on nationality switches for players such as Callum Hudson-Odoi, Inaki and Nico Williams, Tariq Lamptey, Eddie Nketiah amongst others.

The technical team views Salisu as a unique breed the team currently lacks. The 6’3 tall defender possesses physicality, and aerial dominance and is also very comfortable playing the ball from the back – a pattern that has been established in the early days of the Otto Addo era.

In the second half against Nigeria in Abuja, Addo switched to a back three which saw Gideon Mensah – a left back – play as a center back on the left side. The Dortmund trainer repeated the same tactic against Madagascar in a World Cup qualifier, this time, playing Mensah as a left center back in a back four.

Mensah in an exclusive interview with Joy Sports revealed he was played as a left center back to help keep the balance of the team in the build-up phase. It is evident the technical team are after a left-sided center back and Salisu has been profiled as their man.

Sources close to the player have told Joy Sports that his meetings with Okraku played a key role in expediting his decision to play for Ghana.

The GFA president visited Salisu in England at the tail end of the 2021/22 English Premier League before meeting the former Real Valladolid defender last month in Ghana.

It is understood that the 23-year-old defender is now fully convinced with the Black Stars project and has the trust of Okraku.

The player’s family also clarifies that no FA official or technical team member has ever asked for money from Salisu in exchange for a Black Stars call-up.

The Southampton centre back, who has been impressive for the Premier League side, is yet to honour a call up to the senior national team.

Salisu has turned down a call-up during the reign of CK Akonnor and Milovan Rajevac.

He was handed a call-up by Otto Addo ahead of the 2022 World Cup playoff against Nigeria but again turned down the call-up, citing personal reasons.

However, after visiting the promising defender, Kurt Okraku posted on his official Facebook page, that suggests the defender may finally be ready to accept the Black Stars call up.

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“Great seeing you with that big smile… Proud son of the land who is proud to give back what football has given him,” he wrote.

“Ready to serve and looking forward to our common future with all the positive energy in you.

“God bless our homeland Ghana and make our nation great and strong.”

He is likely to be in Black Stars squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] next round of qualifiers against Angola in September.

Mohammed Salisu has a remarkable 2021/2022 season for Southampton in the Premier League, making 34 appearances for the Saints.

He also topped the league in interceptions with a whopping 78 all season.

Mr. Okraku who has been in Europe visited the Southampton centre back to discuss the possibility of playing for the national team.

According to the ‘Fire-for-Fire’ host, Mr. Okraku’s meeting with Salisu was unwarranted, adding that, such meeting should be the preserve of the national team coach.

“When was the last time the Black Stars won a match, you celebrate things you don’t have to celebrate. Is the FA President the one to call players?”, he quizzed.

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Meanwhile, Mohammed Salisu blamed managers of Ghana football for the decision taken by many foreign-based players not to play for the Black Stars.

Salisu is currently one of the best young players in Europe, having made an impressive start to the season at Southampton.

The former Real Valladolid defender is expected to make the Black Stars squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] next month and the 2022 World Cup after turning down several call ups, citing personal reasons.

The Southampton center-back has turned several call-ups to the national team, citing personal reasons.

However, according to Ghana Premier League chief scout, Ebenezer Sefa, there should be a time limit on the space granted to the defender to ponder on playing for the Black Stars.

He added that, the country’s football governing body should not relent in their pursuit but rather have confidence in the current crop of defenders in the team.

“At least we still have more months before the World Cup. If he’s ready to come and play fine, if he’s not ready we should have confidence in those who are there. I’m not saying we should drop our pursuit of him but there should be a limit. There should be a time limit,” he told Luv FM.

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“If by May when we start our AFCON qualifiers, if we play Angola and that young man has not made up his mind, we should forget about him and concentrate on those who are ready to play because from that time to November when the World Cup starts, we need to focus,” he said.

Coach Sefah stated that although Ghana needs quality for the World Cup if Salisu is unwilling to play for the Black Stars after June, he should be left alone. He named some players who never played in international matches.

“I mean Ginola never played for the French National team after he was dropped by Gerard Houllier; Cantona did not play again for France after then-coach Henri Michel dropped him for misconduct. And these were quality players,” Coach Sefa emphasized.

Ghana will start the 2023 AFCON qualifiers between May-June against Group E opponents Madagascar, Angola, and the Central African Republic.

The 22-year-old, who has refused to play for Ghana, has become a major subject of discussion, particularly following the Black Stars’ qualification for the global showpiece.

Although he has turned down invitations to the national team so far, there have been reports that the World Cup qualification is likely to soften his stand. However, a section of Ghana fans have questioned the player’s level of commitment to the country and if he deserves a place in the squad to Qatar.

“Why not, he is not only the best defender in the Premiership, but the Premiership is also the best league in the world,” Gyan said on Peace FM when asked whether the Southampton man should be considered for the World Cup.

“If he is rated among the top three defenders, definitely he is eligible to play for the national team if only he is in the plans of the coach and he [Salisu] has it in his mind to play [for the country].

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“Definitely, he should be ready for the national team, but it will depend on him and the technical team.”

Ahead of their World Cup qualifying play-off clash with Nigeria last month, Ghana caretaker boss Otto Addo held another meeting with Salisu with the intention to convince the defender to change his mind.

The centre-back, however, rejected the call one more time.

“I watch him as a fan because he is doing well at Southampton,” Gyan added.

“I think he is one of the top three defenders in the Premier League and he being a Ghanaian, I think he is selling the country.

“He is performing well but I don’t know if he wants to play for the national team.”

Salisu has been hailed as one of the best defenders in the Premier League this season, as he currently stands as the player with the most interceptions so far.

He has made 29 league appearances for the Saints this term, starting in all but one of the matches.

The 21-year-old joined the Premier League club last summer from La Liga side, Real Valladolid in a deal worth 10 million pounds.

After a torrid start in English football last season, the centre-back has become one of the best defenders in the Premier League.

Speaking on his journey as a footballer, the former African Talent Football Academy defender revealed that he had to skip classes to play football, a decision that did not go down well with his mother, especially.

According to him, his mother had no interest in seeing him become a footballer.

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“I always dreamed of becoming a footballer since I was a child,” he told the official club website.

“I used to play on the sand pitches with no boots. I always want to play football even when my parents wanted me to go to school. My mum took my shoes and spoilt them because I didn’t go to school.”

Salisu also added that he relishes how far he has come following his initial struggles, describing the opportunity to play in the Premier League as proud moments.

“This is a dream come true – playing in the sand without boots and ending up here in the Premier League, I am very proud of what I have achieved in my life,” he added.

Salisu has made nine appearances for the Saints in the ongoing Premier League season.

Currently back home with Ghana Premier League side Legon Cities, Gyan is yet to receive a call-up since Akonnor assumed duty as Black Stars boss in January last year.

His last Ghana appearance came at Afcon 2019 where the four-time champions suffered a disappointing Round of 16 exit.

“Asamoah Gyan has made it clear that he wants to. He’s an experienced man and knows what to do for him to get into the team,” Akonnor told pressmen at a conference on Friday.

“Once he does, he’s a Ghanaian and he’s done a marvellous job in the past. So, we’ve had a bit of discussion, he knows what to do. I’m also watching him closely. And not just him but any other person that has the chance to come.

“The other day, I invited [Frank] Acheampong who is always one of them, who is also out of the team for quite some time but unfortunately there were issues not permitting him to come. So, it is open for everybody,” he said.

Gyan recently stated his desire to play for Ghana at the January 9 – February 6 tournament in Cameroon, emphasising he “he has not retired from football.”

The 35-year-old is Ghana’s leading scorer and all-time most capped player, having scored 51 times in 109 internationals.

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Elsewhere at Friday’s presser, Akonnor provided further clarification on the continuous absence of Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu from the Black Stars’ set-up.

The 22-year-old has not received a call-up since turning down his first invitation in November 2019, then with Kwasi Appiah at the helm of affairs as head coach and Akonnor as an assistant coach.

Upon the latter’s assumption of duty as head coach, Salisu was conspicuously missing from his first squad announced, amid explanation the defender was not yet ready for international football with Ghana.

He is yet to be called up under Akonnor’s reign.

“With Salisu, he made that comment [that he’ll inform us of his readiness to play for Ghana when the time comes]. I’m not the one who made it. He said when he’s ready,” the coach said on Friday.

“When a player makes a comment like that, then there should be an issue. Having said that, I’ve had the chance to communicate with one of his people, and the lesson is that we’ll have to wait until he’s ready. And that’s it,” he said.

In April this year, Salisu revealed his pride at the possibility of playing for Ghana but stated the time was not yet right. 

The Southampton defender failed to honour a call up to the Black Stars in 2019, citing injury problems.

After he joined the Premier League side, Salisu openly declared his readiness to play for the country.

In an interview with Mozzart Sport Kenya, the 22-year-old has confirmed that he would be proud to play for the Black Stars but will need time to focus on his club side.

“I’ll be so proud to play to my country, to play with Ghana, the national team,” the former Real Valladolid defender said.

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“But I think this is not the right moment to play in the national team. I think I need to focus on the club side because I am young, I think I need to focus on the club first and then after, when everything is fine, I can go and play for Ghana,” he added.

Salisu joined the Saints from Real Valladolid in a €10.9m deal last summer injuries delayed his debut until February 2021.

Since then, he has made 10 appearances for Ralph Hassenhutl’s men in all competitions.

Meanwhile, head coach of the Black Stars, CK Akonnor has continuously said the centre back remains crucial to his plans.

The 21-year-old is yet to feature for the national team despite his exploits during his days at Real Valladolid in the Spanish La Liga.

Salisu, since joining Premier League side, Southampton, has kept his fine form helping the club to win games.

He, unfortunately, could not join the Black Stars when he was handed a maiden call up under Kwesi Appiah in October 2019.

Henry Asante Twum, who is the head of communications at the Ghana Football Association in an interview with Nhyira FM said the young centre-back has now given them the assurance to represent the country but is out of the latest squad due to the current Covid restrictions in the United Kingdom.

He added that Salisu is a quality player who has started finding his rhythm and will help the Black Stars going forward due to the exposure he’s gotten in arguably, the most competitive league in the world.

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“Mohammed Salisu has confirmed to play for us and he is part of our plans,” he said. “This moment isn’t right to invite him.

“We are only happy he’s overcome the challenges and started getting game time at Southampton.

“He is a top-quality material from the Premier League undoubtedly and will help us.

“When the Covid restrictions are lifted, he will be back on our radar,” he added.

Salisu completed a sensational £10m switch from the Jose Zorrilla based club in the summer to join Southampton.

He has made five appearances so far in the Premier League after having a tremendous debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the FA Cup.

Salisu was named in the starting XI for the first time following his move from Real Valladolid.

In the end, second-half goals from Danny Ings and Stuart Armstrong decided the fixture at Molineux.

Salisu played his heart out at the centre of defense for the visitors.

His performance for the side could see him earn more playing time as the St. Mary’s Stadium side are hoping to cease their leaky defense.

Before tonight, Southampton had shipped in a whopping 16 goals in their last four matches in the English top-flight.

He went on to make six consecutive appearances on the bench before sustaining another injury just before the New Year, ruling him out of an FA Cup encounter with Shrewsbury Town in which the club had hoped to hand the Accra-born a debut.

Having turned down his maiden Ghana call-up in 2019 due to injury, Salisu could be handed another invitation for next month’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe.

In the absence of injured first-choice centre-back Jannik Vestergaard, the manager had a choice to make between Stephens and Salisu for the game week 15 away tie.

Salisu has been awaiting his debut for The Saints since transferring from Spanish La Liga side Real Valladolid in August.

“For me, it was important [against Fulham] that I brought in a player who knew immediately what he was doing,” said Hasenhuttl told Hampshire Live.

“When you have three changes in the team you need to have as much automatism as possible.

“I am sure Salisu could also play well, but it is important not to have too many changes and to keep our shape so that the players know exactly what they’re doing and I think we made the right decision.

“It was important too that Jack showed that he could play on the left because I did not want to move Jan back to the left side.

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“It was a little bit new for him but he is experienced as had the quality to handle this. He did a good job.”

Salisu made Southampton’s matchday squad for the first time for a 2-1 win over Brighton and Hove Albion earlier this month and has since made Hasenhuttl’s bench on consecutive occasions.

After sealing his transfer in August, he delayed linking up with The Saints squad for pre-season due to an injury. He eventually joined practice in the week the Premier League kicked off and it then took him three more months to make his first match day squad.

“Salisu is the future of this club. It will take time. We know how long it takes for some players to step into the team,” Hasenhuttl added.

“He has so much potential and [at Fulham] it was more important for me, as I said, not to unsettle the team. It would have been difficult, I think.

“I am really happy that Sali is here and he shows to me in every session that he can help us.”

The Ghanaian could be handed a debut in January’s clash with third-tier side Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup.

Salisu has emerged as one of the best performing young defenders following his impressive debut with Real Valladolid in the 2019/20 Spanish La Liga season.

The 21-year-old Ghanaian defender has been snapped up by English Premier League outfit Southampton for a £10.9m fee this summer.

However, Salisu struggled at the early stages of his career and he was also kicked out according to the director of his former academy.

In a trial match, organised by African Talent Academy at Nsawam, Fran said he almost sacked Salisu but caught his attention after 10 minutes.

“I was about to kick him out,” the Director of the African Talent Football Academy said in an interview with Sky Sports.

“But he caught my attention within 10 minutes. Salisu is special. Off the pitch, he was quiet and calm. He liked being alone or with three or four of his closest friends. He was very shy.

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“On the pitch, everything changed. Character, aggression and leadership.

“He always wanted to win and he was capable of forgetting bad moments very quickly.

“His rapid rise has not been easy, but he has a very strong personality and knows what he wants,” he added.

Fran also admitted that the Ghanaian centre back has the potential to become a great player in the future.

“He can be a great player,” Fran said.

“He is improving every day and you have to remember that he only played 34 games in Spain. Three years ago he was playing on dirt pitches,” he added.

Salisu featured 34 times for Valladolid scoring once in the process.

He has been handed jersey number 22 jersey at Southampton.