Accra Hearts of Oak right-back Michael Ampadu is set to leave the club at the end of the 2024/25 season after it was confirmed that he will not be part of the club’s plans for the 2025/26 campaign.
The 26-year-old defender is expected to depart as a free agent, bringing an end to his stint with the Phobians after just over a year.
Sources within the club have revealed that Ampadu’s exit is largely due to a strained relationship with head coach Aboubakar Ouattara, which worsened during the second half of the season. The Ghanaian full-back reportedly fell out with Ouattara over tactical differences and playing time, leading to his exclusion from the starting lineup in several key matches.
Although he began the season as the club’s first-choice right-back, Ampadu gradually found himself pushed down the pecking order, particularly after the arrival of new defensive options during the January transfer window. His last start came in matchday 26, and he has featured sparingly since then, mostly making late substitute appearances or being left out of the matchday squad altogether.
Despite the tension, Ampadu managed to make 21 appearances in the Ghana Premier League this season, registering 2 assists and averaging 2.7 tackles, 1.8 interceptions, and 1.3 key passes per game. His attacking support and defensive resilience were among his strongest traits, but he reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s tactical approach, especially under Ouattara’s more conservative system.
The situation reached a breaking point when Ampadu was left out of the squad entirely for the crucial league clash against Nations FC, despite being fully fit. According to insiders, the decision sparked a confrontation between the player and the coach during training, further souring their working relationship.
With his contract set to expire in July 2025, Hearts of Oak have decided not to offer a renewal, opting instead to rebuild the squad under Ouattara’s guidance for the 2025/26 project. The decision forms part of a broader restructuring effort led by the club’s technical team and board, aimed at reviving the fortunes of the club after a disappointing season.
Ampadu, who previously played for WAFA and Liberty Professionals, is now set to weigh his options ahead of the upcoming transfer window. A number of Ghana Premier League clubs and lower-tier European sides are said to be monitoring his situation closely, and he is expected to secure a new club before the start of next season.
His departure marks another major change in a summer of transition for the Phobians, who are expected to part ways with several senior players while bringing in fresh talent to mount a stronger challenge next season.
