Ghanaian-Emirati left-back Richard Akonnor has joined Turkish club Goztepe from Al-Jazira on a season-long loan.
The 22-year-old defender moves from the United Arab Emirates Pro League to the Turkish Super Lig, with the loan running until 30 June 2027. Akonnor’s market value is listed at €800,000, but no transfer fee has been disclosed for the move.
Akonnor, who was born in Accra, is a left-footed defender standing 1.85m tall. He made his senior breakthrough with Al-Jazira after joining the club from its under-21 side in July 2022.
The full-back began the current campaign with limited playing time, making one appearance in the UAE Pro League and another in the AFC Champions League Elite qualifying round. He provided one assist in the continental qualifier, playing 22 minutes, and featured for 24 minutes in his league appearance.
His move to Goztepe gives the defender an opportunity to continue his career in Turkey after four seasons in the Al-Jazira senior set-up. He previously joined Al-Jazira’s under-21 team from Liberty Pro’s under-19 side in August 2020.
Akonnor was part of the Al-Jazira squad that won the UAE League Cup in the 2024-25 season. The trophy remains his only listed senior honour.
The transfer adds a player with experience in both domestic and continental competition to Goztepe’s defensive options. Akonnor has played primarily at left-back throughout his career and prefers to use his left foot.
Goztepe’s agreement with Al-Jazira includes a return to the Emirati club at the end of the loan period. Akonnor therefore becomes a Goztepe player for the 2026-27 campaign before his loan expires on 30 June 2027.