Asante Kotoko sign Umar Ali on two-year deal for 2026/27 season

Asante Kotoko have announced the signing of left-back Umar Ali on a two-year contract ahead of the 2026/27 season. The 22-year-old defender joins the Ghana Premier League club after spending the 2024/25 campaign with Banyias in the UAE Pro League.

The Kumasi-based side confirmed Ali’s arrival in an announcement made on Tuesday. His contract will keep him at Asante Kotoko for the next two seasons, giving the club another option in defence as preparations continue for the new campaign.

Ali played 21 league matches for Banyias during the 2024/25 season and contributed four assists. Those appearances came in the UAE Pro League, where he built experience before moving to the Ghanaian giants.

Although his main position is left-back, Ali can also operate as a left-sided centre-back. That flexibility gives head coach Eric Tinkler an additional choice when shaping the defensive line and managing different demands across the season.

His arrival strengthens competition for the left-back position at Asante Kotoko. The club are targeting domestic titles next season, and Ali has been added to a squad expected to compete for those honours in Ghana.

The move also marks Ali’s return to Ghanaian football after his spell in the United Arab Emirates. Asante Kotoko, known as the Porcupine Warriors, will now have a defender with league experience abroad and the ability to cover more than one role at the back.