Ghanaian left-back Umar Ali has joined Asante Kotoko on a free transfer, returning to Ghana after his spell with United Arab Emirates club FC Baniyas.
The 22-year-old has signed a contract with the Ghana Premier League side until 30 June 2028. Ali’s move was completed on 25 August 2026 after he became a free agent when he left Baniyas at the end of the 2025-26 season.
Ali is a naturally left-footed defender whose main position is left-back. He stands 1.77 metres tall and spent the previous campaign playing in the UAE, where he made two appearances in the Pro League and two in the UAE League Cup.
His league involvement was limited to two minutes across those appearances, while he played 115 minutes in the League Cup. He was also registered for the UAE President’s Cup, although he did not make an appearance in that competition.
Ali joined FC Baniyas’ senior set-up in July 2024 after previously playing for the club’s under-17 side. He had moved into the Baniyas youth system in September 2022, having started that stage of his career away from an identified club.
The switch to Asante Kotoko brings Ali back into Ghanaian football and places him at a club competing in the country’s top flight. His arrival adds a left-footed option to Kotoko’s defensive group, with the player committing his future to the club for the next two seasons.
Ali’s previous club experience came entirely in the United Arab Emirates, where he represented Baniyas at senior and youth level. His four recorded senior appearances came across the UAE Pro League and UAE League Cup during the 2025-26 campaign.
The transfer was completed without a fee, with Ali moving to Asante Kotoko after his departure from FC Baniyas. His new agreement keeps him at the Ghanaian club through June 2028.
