Esbjerg fB have signed former Ghana youth international James Ampofo from Norwegian club IK Start, securing the 22-year-old striker on a contract running until the summer of 2029.
Ampofo joins the Danish second-tier side during the ongoing summer transfer window after spending the current campaign on loan at IK Start from fellow Norwegian Eliteserien club Strømsgodset. He has made 15 appearances in 17 matches for IK Start since January 2026 and started each of the club’s past three games.
The forward previously scored six goals in 12 matches for Norwegian club Raufoss Fotball before moving to Strømsgodset. He is known for his explosive pace, physical strength and ability to take on opponents.
Esbjerg sports director Sebastian Brydegaard said Ampofo’s experience in Norway’s top division made him an attractive addition to the squad.
“James Ampofo is an exciting offensive profile who comes to us with experience from the highest level in Norway, where he has played in the Eliteserie for both Strømsgodset and Start.
“James has performed in a strong league, and this gives him a good starting point to come in and contribute to EfB, and we are happy to have made a long-term agreement.
“We see James as a player who can give our offense a new dimension.
“James Ampofo has some clear key skills in the form of explosive speed, breakthrough power and a directness that will hurt the opponent, and he is a striker who is constantly looking for the spaces and situations where it will most often be decisive.”
Brydegaard said Ampofo’s personality and attitude were also important factors in the club’s decision to bring him to the Blue Water Arena.
“James is not only a player with exciting offensive skills. He also brings a good and contagious energy and personality that will fit well into our squad.
“The overall combination makes him a player we believe will have great importance for us, says the sports director.
Ampofo said he was determined to make a positive impression in Denmark and help Esbjerg achieve victories.
“I am very happy to come to EfB. It is a great club that I have heard many good things about, and I am looking forward to becoming part of the team and starting this new chapter in Denmark.
“I come with great motivation and a desire to show myself. I want to give everything for the team, use my qualities offensively and help EfB win football matches.
He also said he was eager to experience the support of Esbjerg’s followers at home and away matches.
“I’m looking forward to playing inside the stadium and meeting the fans. I’ve heard that there is strong support for the club’s matches, both home and away, and I’m looking forward to performing with the team and showing what I can contribute, he says.
Ampofo began his career in Ghana with Semper Fi before moving to Greek club Episkopi. He later represented Ghana at under-20 level and was part of the squad that won the 2021 Africa U-20 Championship in Mauritania.
That team was coached by experienced Ghanaian manager Karim Zito. Ampofo now moves to Esbjerg with top-flight experience from Norway and a long-term contract intended to keep him at the Danish club through to the summer of 2029.
