Major move: Richmond Ayi joins Ethiopian Insurance after standout season

Former Hearts of Oak goalkeeper signs one-year deal after impressive campaign in Ethiopia

Ghanaian goalkeeper Richmond Ayi has joined Ethiopian Premier League side Ethiopian Insurance Corporation FC on a one-year contract after an impressive season with Midre Genet Shire.

The 27-year-old’s move to Ethiopian Insurance follows a campaign in which he established himself as one of the league’s standout goalkeepers.

Ayi made 35 appearances for Midre Genet Shire during the 2025/26 season and recorded 17 clean sheets in his first campaign in the Ethiopian Premier League.

His performances earned him recognition among the top three goalkeepers in the league at the end of the season, helping raise his profile ahead of his move to another Ethiopian top-flight club.

Ayi builds on impressive first season in Ethiopia

Ayi made a strong impression after arriving in Ethiopia, becoming a regular presence in goal for Midre Genet Shire.

His 35 appearances gave him an extended run in the league, while his 17 clean sheets underlined his consistency throughout the campaign.

The Ghanaian goalkeeper’s performances were subsequently recognised when he was named among the league’s top three goalkeepers at the end of the 2025/26 season.

That form has now earned him another opportunity in the Ethiopian Premier League, with Ethiopian Insurance becoming the latest club in his career.

The one-year agreement gives Ayi the chance to continue playing in Ethiopia while building on the progress he made during his first season in the country.

Former Hearts of Oak goalkeeper continues career in Ethiopia

Before establishing himself in Ethiopia, Ayi spent a season with Dreams FC.

He had earlier played for Hearts of Oak, while his career in Ghana’s top division also included spells with Techiman City and WAFA SC.

The goalkeeper’s experience across several Ghanaian clubs has now been followed by a continued stay in Ethiopian football.

Ayi will be hoping to reproduce the form that saw him make 35 appearances and keep 17 clean sheets last season as he begins his new chapter with Ethiopian Insurance.

His experience in the Ethiopian Premier League should also give him a strong foundation as he prepares for the upcoming campaign.

Ayi joins fellow Ghanaians at Ethiopian Insurance

The goalkeeper will not be the only Ghanaian at Ethiopian Insurance when the new season begins.

Ayi is set to link up with fellow Ghanaians Michel Otu, Benjamin Afutu Kotey and Ismail Ganiu at the club.

His arrival takes the number of Ghanaians at Ethiopian Insurance to five ahead of the new Ethiopian Premier League season.

The presence of several Ghanaian players means Ayi will have familiar faces around him as he settles into his new club.

For Ethiopian Insurance, the goalkeeper’s arrival adds experience and a strong recent record to their options between the posts.

Ayi targets another strong campaign

The former Ghana U23 player will now turn his attention to maintaining the level of performance that made him one of the league’s recognised goalkeepers last season.

His 17 clean sheets for Midre Genet Shire were a notable part of his first Ethiopian Premier League campaign, and Ethiopian Insurance will be hoping he can carry that form into his new surroundings.

Ayi’s move represents another stage in his career after spells with several Ghanaian clubs and his successful first season in Ethiopia.

With the new Ethiopian Premier League season approaching, the goalkeeper will look to make another strong impression and continue his development with Ethiopian Insurance Corporation FC.