Mubarak Wakaso to Join Hearts of Oak After Year-Long Recovery Period

Ghanaian midfielder Mubarak Wakaso is on the brink of completing a move to Accra-based Hearts of Oak, with reports confirming that the club has agreed to sign the experienced player during the upcoming January transfer window.

This move follows a lengthy period of recovery after Wakaso’s departure from Chinese club Shenzhen FC in January 2024.

Wakaso has been without a club for nearly a year, as he has been sidelined with knee injuries.

His last competitive appearance was in August 2023, and since then, he has been undergoing intensive rehabilitation to get back to peak fitness.

Despite these challenges, the 34-year-old has continued training in Ghana, catching the attention of Hearts of Oak, who are now taking a chance on his fitness and potential.

Sources close to the club reveal that Hearts of Oak plans to manage Wakaso’s workload cautiously.

Drawing inspiration from their successful approach with former player Sulley Muntari during the 2022/23 season, the club intends to carefully monitor Wakaso’s involvement in matches to ensure he doesn’t overstrain his body.

This strategy will likely involve featuring him in select high-profile games, while avoiding long-distance travel that could risk exacerbating his knee problems.

Wakaso’s vast experience in European football is expected to be a significant asset for Hearts of Oak.

Having played for top clubs such as Villarreal, Panathinaikos, Espanyol, and Rubin Kazan, he brings a wealth of experience to the team.

Additionally, his 70 international caps and 13 goals for the Ghana national team make him a seasoned player with leadership qualities that could prove invaluable for the club.

Currently sitting sixth in the Ghana Premier League, Hearts of Oak are keen on strengthening their squad to finish the season strongly.

Wakaso’s expertise and leadership are expected to play an instrumental role in helping the team achieve better consistency and performance as they look to climb the league standings.