Middlesbrough are closing in on the capture of exciting Ghanaian prospect Hinneh Lord Listowell, with only final visa formalities standing between the teenager and an official unveiling at the Riverside, as per Footy-Africa sources.
Footy-Africa can exclusively confirm that the 18-year-old forward has already agreed terms with the Championship side and is expected to start his English journey with Boro’s Under-21 squad, working under academy boss Mark Tinkler.
Club scouts have tracked Listowell closely over an extended period, impressed by both his development curve and attitude during earlier trial stints.
Listowell makes the move from Ghana Premier League heavyweights Asante Kotoko, a club he joined just last summer. Despite his tender age, he has not looked out of place at senior level, gaining valuable experience in league action as well as on the continental stage in the CAF Confederation Cup, Africa’s answer to the UEFA Europa League.
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Before Asante Kotoko, the attacker was developed at Samba Stars Academy, a Ghana-based setup part-owned by former West Ham United striker Michail Antonio. It was during this period that Middlesbrough’s interest first intensified. Two trial spells at Rockliffe last season gave the club a closer look, but rather than rushing into a deal, Boro chose to keep tabs on his progress back home.
That long-term approach has now led to a green light. Head of recruitment Chris Jones and academy recruitment lead Martin Carter are understood to have both watched Listowell in person, ultimately convincing the club to secure his signature on a permanent deal.
The youngster’s reputation has been growing beyond Teesside too. He previously spent time on trial at Wolverhampton Wanderers, a sign of the wider Premier League and Championship interest in his profile.
Samba Stars Academy have described him as a player with “exceptional ball control, vision and work rate,” while Middlesbrough insiders view him as a quick, aggressive wide attacker who thrives on taking defenders on and playing without fear.
Once the remaining paperwork is completed, Listowell will officially report for duty on Teesside, where Middlesbrough believe his blend of raw ability, pace and athleticism can be carefully molded into a genuine first-team option in the years ahead.
