The Ghanaian international striker has signed a four year contract in Sunderland (England). Stade Rennes receive a transfer fee of about 16 million euros, but lose their top goal scorer of the last season.
The Premier League, obviously
Asamoah Gyan dreamt of the English League. Earlier targeted by Everton (England) and Fenerbahçe (Turkey), Babyjet finally flew to Sunderland. The Stade Rennais, who had recruited the striker from Udinese (Italy) for a bit more than 8 million euros in 2008, is parting ways with a player revealed to the world during the last World Cup.
The South-African spotlights
Leader of a Ghanaian selection knocked out at the quarter-final stage, Asamoah Gyan saw his value rise dramatically after his very good general performance in the tournament (three goals). Yes, the striker missed the decisive penalty against Uruguay, which would have sent Ghana through to the semi-finals. But he also impressed all viewers, especially with his goal in the quarter-finals. In Rennes, everyone knew the player’s potential already.
In Rennes, two very different seasons
Years follow each other with a different taste for Gyan. Unfit, too often injured, Asamoah Gyan was never able to get Guy Lacombe’s trust during the 2008/2009 season. After an advanced fitness work, the striker was back on top of his game. He went on to score thirteen goals during the season, including a real screamer against Montpellier. Confidence was high for the Rennes striker at the time he flew to South Africa.
What now ?
After Asamoah Gyan’s transfer, Victor-Hugo Montaño should become the first choice striker for the “Rouge et Noir”. The Colombian striker, able to play on a central position (as against Nancy) or on the right side (Saint-Etienne, Arles), will be in competition with Ismaël Bangoura. Reportedly close to be transferred to the United Arab Emirates, the Guinean striker will finally remain in Rennes. He certainly won’t be regarded as surplus to the club’s requirements.
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