Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare came close to joining Azerbaijani club Sumgayit on loan, but the move collapsed after the club discovered he could need up to seven weeks to secure a work permit, Footy-Africa can exclusively report.
Asare’s representatives had been working hard to find the 34-year-old a new club, with Sumgayit agreeing a nine-month loan deal worth between $60,000 and $70,000.
Hearts of Oak also agreed to the move, but Sumgayit pulled out after learning that Asare could need six to seven weeks to obtain the necessary work permit.
The Azerbaijani club was bringing him in as a replacement for an injured goalkeeper and needed someone who could become available quickly.
“The deal was agreed by Hearts, and the player was ready, but the work permit situation changed everything. Sumgayit needed a goalkeeper immediately and could not wait six or seven weeks,” a source familiar with the negotiations told Footy-Africa.
Asare will now remain at Hearts of Oak and is expected to play an important role for the club this season.
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However, his future could be revisited in January as his representatives continue to work on opportunities abroad.
“There is still a possibility of a move in January. The priority now is for Asare to stay focused on Hearts, but the agents will continue looking at the right opportunity,” the source added.
Asare remains under contract with Hearts of Oak until 2027.
He played three matches for Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and kept a clean sheet against England.
