Danish second tier club Esbjerg fB have announced the signing of former Ghana youth international James Ampofo in the ongoing Summer transfer window.
The 22-year-old striker has signed a contract with Esbjerg until the summer of 2029, moving to the Blue Water Arena from Norwegian Eliteserien club IK Start where he played on loan from Strømsgodset.
Ampofo who is noted for his explosive speed, strong physique and the ability to challenge in his game, scored six goals in 12 matches for Norwegian Raufoss Fotball before signing for Strømsgodset.
Since January 2026, he has been playing for IK Start on a loan deal, where he has played in 15 out of 17 matches and a place in the starting lineup in the last three rounds.
Esbjerg Sports director Sebastian Brydegaard is pleased with the arrival of the young attacker.
“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 also points out that Ampofo fits well with the mentality that EfB wants to have.
“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.
James Ampofo is looking forward to the new challenge in EfB.
“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.
Ampofo is also looking forward to playing in front of the vociferous home fans.
“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 who started his career in Ghana with Semper Fi before moving to Greek side Episkopi, was a member of Ghana’s U-20 squad that won the 2021 Africa U-20 Championship in Mauritania under experienced coach Karim Zito.
