THE END: Obeng Junior’s contract with Hearts of Oak expires; What’s the way forward?

Kwadwo Obeng Junior is now a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Accra Hearts of Oak.

Obeng Junior’s contract expired on June 6, raising the possibility that he could leave on a free transfer this summer.

There have been claims that the club is not willing to offer the striker a new contract. This decision comes as part of their plans to rebuild and revitalise the team following a disappointing campaign that saw them struggle to avoid relegation on the final day of the season.

The 23-year-old striker, who tied the knot with his long-time girlfriend over the weekend has been linked to join an unnamed European club.

Obeng Junior joined the Rainbows in April 2018 from Division One League side Nea Salamina Ghana (now Wamanfo Mighty Royals FC) after helping the club to their highest finish in the FA Cup before losing to Asante Kotoko in the quarter-final in 2017.

Before joining Hearts of Oak, he was one of the most highly-rated youngsters in the Division One League. Obeng was one of the best strikers that season, scoring thirteen league goals and three goals in the Ghana FA Cup in 2017 including goals against Steadfast FC in the round of 16 and Asante Kotoko in the last eight.

In 2020, the striker signed a three-year contract extension with Hearts of Oak. He ended the 2020/21 season with eleven goals in twenty-five matches to end as the club’s top scorer in all competitions with ten of those goals coming in the league.

After playing a key role in setting up the Rainbows to win the Premier League and the FA Cup, his tallies dropped but he remained a highly regarded member of the squad.

He has, however, faced plenty of criticism following his scoring drought. He has been verbally abused and unfairly criticised by the fans of the club.

As confirmed to Ghanasportspage.com, Obeng Junior is ready to part company with the club after five years. He scored three goals in the just ended campaign.