Ghana defender Nicholas Opoku targets La Liga promotion after joining Las Palmas

Ghana defender Nicholas Opoku says helping UD Las Palmas return to La Liga is his main ambition after joining the Spanish second-tier club on a two-year contract.

The 28-year-old centre-back moved to the Canary Islands during the summer transfer window and has been brought in to provide experience as Las Palmas pursue promotion.

Opoku was not involved in the club’s opening league fixture against Albacete Balompie but is expected to make his debut against Ceuta on Saturday, 22 August.

Opoku sets sights on promotion

The Ghanaian defender made his ambitions clear during his unveiling, saying the opportunity to help Las Palmas reach the top flight was a major factor behind his decision to join.

“My goal is to help the team and make history. I decided to come because of the club’s ambition and the desire to achieve promotion,” said the Ghanaian during his unveiling.

The defender also expressed his excitement at beginning the next chapter of his career in Spain.

“I am delighted to be here and to show the kind of footballer I am,” he added.

Las Palmas are relying on Opoku’s experience as they look to challenge for promotion with a squad that includes several young players.

For the defender, the move represents an opportunity to compete in Spanish football while pursuing a personal ambition of reaching the country’s top division.

Following in Ghanaian footsteps

Opoku is the third Ghanaian player to represent Las Palmas.

He follows Mubarak Wakaso and Kevin Prince Boateng, who previously played for the Canary Islands club.

Before completing his move, Opoku spoke to Wakaso about the club and received positive feedback about the environment he would be joining.

“I was talking to Wakaso about the club, and he gave me good feedback. He told me about the seriousness of the club, its structure, and the people,” continued Opoku.

The defender said those conversations helped reinforce his decision to move to Las Palmas.

His focus now is on contributing to the team while adapting to a new footballing environment.

Opoku ready to fight for Las Palmas

The Ghana international said he has arrived with a clear desire to work hard and help the club achieve its objectives.

“I am here, above all, to help and fight. I am very happy. I consider myself a strong player, and I also come to learn and adapt to the style.”

His experience is expected to be particularly valuable to a Las Palmas squad seeking to compete for promotion.

Although he did not feature in the opening game against Albacete, Opoku could make his first appearance for the club when they face Ceuta on Saturday.

The match could provide the defender with his first opportunity to begin delivering on the expectations that accompanied his arrival.

A long-held La Liga dream

Opoku’s move to Spain is also the fulfilment of a personal ambition.

He revealed that he acted quickly once he learned of Las Palmas’ interest, determined to complete the transfer and begin his Spanish adventure.

“When my agent told me that there was great interest from Las Palmas in me, I wanted to make sure the deal was closed as soon as possible. It has always been a dream for me to play in LALIGA, and being here is a dream,” he concluded.

For Opoku, the immediate objective is to establish himself at Las Palmas and help the club achieve promotion.

The ultimate reward would be the chance to realise his ambition of playing in La Liga.