Asante Kotoko are nearing an agreement to sign Ivorian-born Burkinabe defensive midfielder Abdul Kadri after he impressed head coach Eric Tinkler and technical director Stanley Menzo during a trial.
The Ghanaian club are completing the necessary documentation before confirming the transfer officially. Kadri has convinced Kotoko’s technical team that he possesses the qualities required to strengthen their midfield ahead of the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season.
His expected arrival comes as Tinkler works to assemble a competitive squad capable of challenging for major honours. The South African coach is overseeing a rebuilding process at the Porcupine Warriors, who are seeking to return to the top of Ghanaian football and compete strongly in domestic competitions.
Kadri’s performances during his assessment period were sufficient to win approval from the club’s technical leadership, despite limited detailed career statistics being available about the midfielder.
The 2026/27 campaign
Kotoko have identified midfield reinforcements as an important part of their preparations for the new season, and Kadri fits the profile of the player they have been seeking to add greater balance and competition to the squad.
He is known for his defensive discipline, ability to win the ball and physical presence in the centre of the pitch. Those attributes are expected to give Tinkler another option for disrupting opposition attacks, covering space and helping his side build play from midfield.
The club believe his qualities could strengthen the centre of their team and provide additional depth as they prepare for the demands of the Ghana Premier League campaign.
Kadri’s move has not yet been formally completed. The paperwork is still being finalised, and the transfer will only be officially announced once that process is complete.
If the documentation is concluded as expected, Kadri will become one of Asante Kotoko’s latest recruits under Tinkler. His signing would form part of the Porcupine Warriors’ broader effort to reshape their squad and improve their competitiveness in domestic football.
The player’s successful trial has placed him close to joining the club, with the final administrative steps now standing between Kadri and an official move to Asante Kotoko.
