Relegation is the harshest reality in football — a brutal reminder that dreams can quickly turn into nightmares.
For many Ghanaian footballers, the Premier League represents the pinnacle of club football, a stage to showcase their talent to the world. But while some have thrived, others have tasted the bitter side of England’s top flight — relegation.
Here’s a look at Ghanaian players who have been relegated from the Premier League, with some experiencing that heartbreak more than once.
Kamaldeen Sulemana – Relegated in 2022/23 and 2024/25
Kamaldeen joined Southampton from Rennes in January 2023 with hopes of aiding their survival. But the winger’s Premier League debut season ended in disappointment as the Saints finished bottom in 2022/23.
After bouncing back to the top flight the following season, Southampton’s struggles continued. On Sunday, April 6, 2025, a 3-1 defeat to Tottenham confirmed their relegation once again — Sulemana’s second drop in three seasons with the club.
Jordan Ayew – Relegated in 2015/16 and 2017/18
Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew is the only Ghanaian to suffer Premier League relegation with two different clubs. His first came with Aston Villa in 2015/16, despite scoring seven goals in his debut campaign.
Ayew moved to Swansea City the following season. In 2017/18, despite scoring seven goals and adding two assists, Swansea were relegated — making it Ayew’s second demotion from the top flight.
Currently at Leicester City, who are battling relegation again this season, Ayew could become the Ghanaian with the most Premier League relegations if the Foxes fail to survive.
Denis Odoi – Relegated in 2018/19 and 2020/21
Nicknamed “The Professor” for his disciplined approach, Odoi has also experienced the drop twice with Fulham.
After helping the club gain promotion, he made his Premier League debut in 2018/19 — but Fulham finished 19th and went back down. They returned in 2020/21, but again failed to stay up, finishing 18th. Odoi featured just three times that season due to injury.
Others Who’ve Tasted Relegation Once (and Once Was Enough)
- Mohammed Salisu
The defender, now at AS Monaco, suffered relegation with Southampton in 2022/23 as they finished last with just 25 points. - André Ayew
Jordan’s older brother was Swansea City’s record signing when he returned in 2017/18, but couldn’t prevent the club’s relegation. - Daniel Amartey
A member of Leicester City’s squad that shockingly went down in 2022/23 — just seven years after their Premier League title triumph. - Derek Boateng
Played three times for Fulham in the 2013/14 season under Felix Magath as they finished 19th and dropped to the Championship. - Kevin-Prince Boateng
Despite a successful career across Europe, he was part of Portsmouth’s relegated squad in 2009/10, scoring three goals in 22 appearances under Avram Grant.
