Asante Kotoko could be on the brink of losing club captain Samba O’Neil, with negotiations over a contract extension showing little progress as the defender’s current deal approaches its expiry.
The Congolese centre-back is out of contract at the end of the season, and growing interest from clubs in Libya, South Africa, and Tanzania has further complicated Kotoko’s efforts to secure his future.
Despite the club’s attempts to reach an agreement, O’Neil is understood to be reluctant to commit to a new deal, raising fears of a potential departure.
Kotoko’s Communications Director, Sarfo Duku, confirmed that talks have been ongoing for several months but admitted that the prolonged negotiations are becoming a concern.
“We sent a new proposal to Samba and his team, and we await their response,” Duku told Luv FM.
“Looking at how long it has taken, because we started this conversation almost a year ago, it appears to us that it is becoming difficult for the player to renew his contract.
“But we keep pressing with the hope that he will have a change of mind because he feels that he would want to continue somewhere.”
O’Neil has been one of Kotoko’s most influential players this season, making 19 appearances and scoring three goals, while leading the team both on and off the pitch.
The defender played a central role during one of the club’s most successful recent periods, helping the Porcupine Warriors win four trophies under head coach Karim Zito.
Zito has previously described O’Neil as an “exceptional” player and even suggested the possibility of a nationality switch, a clear indication of the defender’s quality and importance to the club.
With time running out on his contract, Kotoko now face a race against the clock to convince their captain to stay or risk losing a key figure ahead of the new season.
