Ghanaian defender Ebenezer Annan is closing in on a move to Romanian side Rapid Bucharest after the club reached a verbal agreement with Saint-Étienne over a loan deal, sources close to the player have told Footy-Africa.
The agreement includes an option for Rapid to make the transfer permanent at the end of the season.
Saint-Etienne have been working to find a new club for the 23-year-old, who is no longer part of their plans. Annan was left out of the French club’s pre-season trip to Glasgow as they prepared for the new campaign.
“Saint-Étienne have been trying to find a solution for Annan because he is not in the plans. The agreement with Rapid is now in place, and unless something unexpected happens, he will move to Romania,” a source close to the player told Footy-Africa.
Annan made 18 Ligue 2 appearances for Saint-Étienne last season, although the club missed out on promotion to Ligue 1. The Ghana international is expected to travel to Bucharest in the coming days to complete the formalities before joining Rapid in training.
Annan turns down Rangers, Anderlecht and Feyenoord to join French Ligue 2 side
Annan has seven caps for Ghana and remains under contract with Saint-Étienne until June 30, 2028.
He had attracted interest from several clubs during the transfer window, including a Czech Republic side that made serious enquiries. There was also interest from the English Championship.
However, those approaches failed to produce a concrete agreement, allowing Rapid Bucharest to move ahead in the race.
Annan is now set to continue his career in Romania, where he will hope to secure regular playing time and revive his club career.
