Richard Akonnor swaps Al-Jazira for Goztepe in Turkish Super Lig loan

Ghanaian-Emirati left-back Richard Akonnor has joined Goztepe from Al-Jazira on loan, completing a move to the Turkish Super Lig club for the 2026-27 season.

The 22-year-old defender moved from the UAE Pro League to Turkey on 20 August and is contracted to remain with Goztepe until 30 June 2027. The agreement includes a return to Al-Jazira at the end of the loan period.

Akonnor has made two appearances at the start of the current campaign, featuring once in the UAE Pro League and once in the AFC Champions League Elite qualifying competition. He played 24 minutes in the continental qualifier and contributed one assist, while his league appearance lasted 22 minutes.

The left-footed defender was born in Accra and holds Ghanaian and United Arab Emirates nationality. Standing at 1.85m, he has played primarily at left-back throughout his senior career.

Akonnor joined Al-Jazira’s under-21 side from Liberty Pro’s under-19 team in August 2020 before progressing to the senior squad in July 2022. He made his first-team appearances for the Abu Dhabi club and was part of the side that won the UAE League Cup during the 2024-25 season.

His move to Goztepe marks his first transfer outside the United Arab Emirates. The Turkish club will have him available for domestic competition after his recent involvement in the UAE league and Asian qualifying campaign.

Akonnor’s arrival gives Goztepe a defender with experience in both domestic and continental football, while Al-Jazira retain his registration beyond the temporary switch. The player’s market value is listed at €800,000.

The completed loan agreement keeps Akonnor at Goztepe until 30 June 2027.