The Sunderland striker was scoring against Chelsea and Newcastle United last year, now Al Wahda and Bani Yas are his opponents.
Asamoah Gyan’s transfer to UAE club Al-Ain was certainly a strange one.
He had seemingly become disillusioned with life at Sunderland, but few expected the club’s £13 million record signing to look for a move away after just one season.
Manager at the time Steve Bruce spoke of his exasperation at dealing with the striker, stating that his head was swayed by agents.
Over in the Emirates there is no disputing that Gyan lives like a king and is becoming richer than he ever could have imagined- earning four times as much as he did at Sunderland. In a way can you blame him?
It’s hard to imagine Gyan plans to spend his whole career out there, and obviously felt it was a more attractive option than spending another year on Wearside, despite the high-profile and global fanfare which comes with the Premier League.
The United Arab Emirates national league, the UFL, has nowhere near as much prestige as football does on these shores, but Gyan may end the season with something he never would have gained at Sunderland; a medal.
Al Ain are 10 points clear at the top, and Gyan has scored 20 goals in 20 games for his club. Too good for the league? For sure, but we bet he’s enjoying it.
The big blot on Gyan’s season came in the African Nations Cup, as he missed a penalty in the semi-final as Ghana crashed out 1-0. It was a cruel de ja vu for the striker who hit the bar with his crucial spot-pick in the 2010 World Cup quarter final.
After this he said he was so haunted by his painful misses that he needed to take an indefinite break from international football. All the money in the world will not take away the agonising memories.
When Martin O’Neill returned to Sunderland there was a suggestion that he could tempt Gyan back to play a part next season. It appears after making tentative enquiries, the player has no desire to return.
While we are sure he is loving life in the UAE, we can’t see Gyan staying there for too much longer. He was not on a pittance at Sunderland, and could go and earn a good wage anywhere in Europe.
At 26 he has a lot to offer the world of football, he has the ability to play for a Champions League team, and it would be a grand shame to see him choose not to fulfil that potential.
image: © jikatu
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
