Ghanaian winger Frank Acheampong has completed his move to Chinese Super League side Henan FC, the club announced on Friday. The 30-year-old signed a two-year contract with an option for a third year, becoming the third signing of Henan FC this season.
Acheampong joins Henan FC from fellow Chinese club Shenzhen FC, where he scored 10 goals and provided six assists in 28 appearances last season. He had previously played for Tianjin TEDA from 2017 to 2020, netting 42 goals and 17 assists in 116 games.
The former Anderlecht star is one of the most prolific and consistent players in the Chinese Super League, having scored 52 goals and 23 assists in 144 appearances since 2017. He is also a regular member of the Ghana national team, with 18 caps and two goals to his name.
Acheampong expressed his delight at joining Henan FC, saying he was ready for more success and challenges in his new club. “I am very delighted to be part of my new club Henan FC. I believe together, as a team, as a family, we will achieve our goals and make our mark on the world of football,” he said in a statement.
“I believe that I am poised for more success ahead of this season. I bet it would be filled with memorable moments, victories, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. I am indeed thrilled to join Henan FC. Let’s make history together!”
Henan FC, formerly known as Henan Jianye, finished 12th in the 16-team league last season. The club is coached by South Korean manager Nam Ki-il, who took over in December 2020. Acheampong will join fellow African players Christian Bassogog from Cameroon and Mohamed Buya Turay from Sierra Leone at Henan FC.
Acheampong is the latest Ghanaian player to move to China, following the footsteps of Asamoah Gyan, Mubarak Wakaso, and Emmanuel Boateng. According to Transfermarkt, a website that tracks football transfers, Acheampong is the most valuable Ghanaian player in the Chinese Super League, with a market value of €4.5 million.
The Chinese Super League is set to kick off on March 1, 2024, with 16 teams competing for the title. The league has attracted many foreign players and coaches in recent years, such as Oscar, Hulk, Rafa Benitez, and Fabio Cannavaro. The current champions are Shanghai Port, who won their first title in 2020.
Source: MyJoyOnline
