Walter Wilson Nana, AfricaNews reporter in Buea, Cameroon
Ghanaian striker Asamoah Gyan secured a transfer deal to English Premier League club, Sunderland for a club record of £13 million (¤15.7 million). Gyan agreed a four-year contract with Steve Bruce's side in a deal which shatters the club's previous record when they signed Darren Bent from Tottenham for £10 million in 2009.
The 24-year-old's move was announced 20 minutes before the transfer window in England shut. "Sunderland has broken their transfer record to sign Ghanaian World Cup star Asamoah Gyan from French Ligue 1 side Stade Rennes," a statement on the club's website confirmed. "Gyan arrives on Wearside for a fee in excess of 3 million pounds, more than Sunderland Chief Steve Bruce paid to acquire Darren Bent from Tottenham last year."
Gyan boosted his reputation with some fine displays at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, scoring three goals, although his tournament ended on a heartbreaking note when he missed a last-minute penalty against Uruguay that would have made Ghana the first African team to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup.
The Accra-born star has netted 22 times in 44 international appearances and his move to the Premier League should be eased by the presence at Sunderland of Ghana team-mate John Mensah, who is loan from French club Lyon. Gyan could make his Sunderland debut at Wigan on 11 September in the team's next game after the international break.
Ghanaian striker Asamoah Gyan secured a transfer deal to English Premier League club, Sunderland for a club record of £13 million (¤15.7 million). Gyan agreed a four-year contract with Steve Bruce's side in a deal which shatters the club's previous record when they signed Darren Bent from Tottenham for £10 million in 2009.
