Ghana defender David Oduro has joined French Ligue 2 club FC Annecy from FC Barcelona on a two-year loan deal, with the move confirmed on Saturday, 22 August.
The agreement also contains a sell-on fee clause in favour of FC Barcelona, meaning the Spanish club will retain a financial interest in Oduro’s future if he goes on to make a permanent move.
Oduro, 20, spent the past two seasons with Barcelona’s junior side after moving to the Catalan club from Ghana Premier League team Accra Lions. He will now continue his development in France with FC Annecy.
The defender made 33 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona’s Under-19 side, Barca Atletic, and scored once during that period. His appearances included matches in the UEFA Youth League.
The loan represents the next stage of Oduro’s progress after his move from Ghana to FC Barcelona. Having gained experience in the Ghana Premier League with Accra Lions and then spent two seasons within Barcelona’s youth set-up, he will now be exposed to Ligue 2 football with FC Annecy.
Annecy currently sit fourth in the Ligue 2 table. Their next fixture is against Reims on Monday, 24 August.
Oduro’s departure gives him the opportunity to play senior football in France while remaining under contract with FC Barcelona. The loan arrangement allows FC Annecy to add the Ghana international to their squad, while the sell-on clause protects Barcelona’s continuing interest in the player’s longer-term future.
His time at Barcelona’s junior side included competition at European youth level, with the defender featuring in the UEFA Youth League as part of his 33-match record. He scored one goal across all competitions.
Before joining Barcelona, Oduro represented Accra Lions in the Ghana Premier League. His move to FC Annecy therefore takes him from Ghanaian domestic football, through Barcelona’s youth structure, and into a Ligue 2 squad competing near the top of the division.
Annecy’s position in fourth place means Oduro joins a side currently involved in the leading group of the competition. His first scheduled fixture with the French club is the meeting with Reims on 24 August, although the source article does not state whether he will be selected for that match.
The deal is for two seasons, after which Oduro’s situation will be determined in line with the terms agreed between FC Barcelona and FC Annecy. For now, the Ghana defender will continue his career in France as he seeks further experience at senior level.
