Ghanaian forward Joseph Esso has completed a move to Iraqi Stars League club Ghaz Al-Shamal ahead of the 2026/27 football season.
The 29-year-old striker joins the Iraqi top-flight outfit from Malaysian Super League side Negeri Sembilan FC after an outstanding campaign that revived his career and attracted interest from clubs abroad.
Esso enjoyed a productive season in Malaysia, scoring 10 goals in 20 appearances for Negeri Sembilan and establishing himself as one of the club’s key attacking players.
His impressive form convinced Ghaz Al-Shamal to secure his services, with the Iraqi club praising the Ghanaian’s finishing ability, physical strength and attacking intelligence.
“Esso had a good season, scoring ten goals in 20 matches to confirm that the striker knows the path to the net very well,” the club stated following the announcement of his signing.
“He is a real addition to the frontline because of his physical strength, focus and ability to decide opportunities.”
The former Ghana youth international is expected to add more firepower and experience to Ghaz Al-Shamal’s attack as they prepare for the new Iraqi Stars League campaign.
Esso previously featured for Ghana Premier League clubs including New Edubiase United, Cape Coast Mysterious Dwarfs and Hearts of Oak, where he built a reputation as a talented and versatile forward.
Before moving to Southeast Asia, the striker also had a spell in Algeria with giants MC Alger, gaining valuable experience in North African football.
The new challenge in Iraq represents another chapter in Esso’s international career as he looks to continue his goalscoring form and help Ghaz Al-Shamal compete strongly in the upcoming season.
