Ebenezer Annan struggles for game time after Rapid Bucharest move

Ghanaian defender Ebenezer Annan is facing a difficult spell at Rapid Bucharest after losing his place in the starting lineup following an encouraging start to his loan spell from Saint-Etienne.

The 24-year-old left-back moved to Romania during the summer in search of regular playing time after struggling to establish himself at the French club. However, his hopes of a fresh start have suffered a setback, with the defender yet to feature in an official match since September 18.

Annan initially made a positive impression, starting three consecutive league matches against Oțelul Galați, Voluntari and Argeș Pitești. Rapid won all three encounters, while the Ghanaian accumulated 218 minutes and earned an average FotMob rating of 7.37.

His performances suggested he could quickly establish himself as a regular member of the team. However, the defender subsequently found himself out of the starting lineup and was an unused substitute in Rapid’s matches against Universitatea Cluj on October 12 and Corvinul Hunedoara on October 17.

Consequently, Annan has managed just three league appearances this season, all as a starter, without recording a goal or an assist.

The lack of opportunities is a concern for the Ghanaian, who joined Rapid specifically to secure more consistent playing time and rebuild his career after a difficult spell in France.

With his opportunities becoming increasingly limited, Annan will need to convince the coaching staff that he deserves another chance in the starting lineup.

Rapid’s next fixture is against FCSB on October 24, providing the defender with another opportunity to work his way back into contention.

For now, the former Saint-Étienne player faces a challenge he had hoped to leave behind: fighting for regular minutes rather than watching from the sidelines.