Cudjoe signing opens new markets – Courts

Tam Courts hopes Dundee United’s move for Ghana under-20s star Mathew Cudjoe can open up new markets for the Tannadice club. United have signed playmaker Cudjoe, subject to a work permit, from Ghanaian side Young Apostles after he impressed during a trial period with the club.

The 18-year-old will initially join the club’s development squad but is already being labelled an ‘exciting prospect’ by Courts.

And as Courier Sport revealed,

Cudjoe has already begun to make a name for himself in his homeland with adoring African fans throwing money at him.

Cudjoe’s arrival is a landmark moment for Courts who believes there is untapped potential in the Ghana marketplace.

“Mathew is a player we have been keeping tabs on for a while,” said Courts.

“He’s a successful Ghanaian under-20s player. He’s been to major tournaments and it’s great to see the club get him over the line.

“It’s also quite exciting that the club are looking at these markets as a talent stream. You only have to look at ‘Right to Dream’ and how Scandinavian clubs are taking advantage of the Ghanaian market.

“They are enjoying a lot of success and it’s good to see the club being quite creative with this move. There’s a lot of potential in this market.

“From a visa perspective, it’s one of the countries where it’s easier to bring players into the country.

“There’s less red tape and governance to get through.

“That’s why it’s nice to see the club looking at these markets to bring young players in to complement the ones we already have.”

Meanwhile, Courts admits Cudjoe’s progression into the first team could take some time.

The skilful playmaker has been likened to a young Jadon Sancho or Raheem Sterling by respected Ghanaian journalist Owuraku Ampofo.

Cudjoe is an under-20s African Cup of Nations champion and is knocking on the door of greater international recognition.

“In conversations with Tony Asghar, Mathew’s been quite clear about what he wants to achieve here,” added Courts. “It’s a long-term project but one we are excited by. We have to integrate him properly, from a lifestyle perspective.

“He’ll be away from his family and things like the weather will be a challenge for Mathew.

“But he’s an exciting prospect who already has a profile in Ghana.

“He’s been at a major tournament and there’s already talk about how the country is trying to navigate him into the men’s team. It’s quite exciting to have him here.”

Mathew Cudjoe was once showered with cash by jubilant Ghanaian fans after turning in a man of the match display on his derby debut.

The Dundee United new boy made an incredible substitute appearance for his old club Asante Kotoko in a 2-1 derby win over Hearts of Oak in the league’s ‘Super Clash’ in 2020.

That led to fans throwing money at Cudjoe as he did a lap of honour at the end of the game.

So who is Mathew Cudjoe and why did the fans donate their hard-earned cash to the young prodigy?

Courier Sport spoke to highly-respected Ghanaian journalist Owuraku Ampofo to find out more about the 18-year-old playmaker who once trained with German giants Bayern Munich.

Cudjoe burst on to the scene in Ghana’s top flight at the age of 16.

He caught the eye of the country’s legendary striker Asamoah Gyan and was snapped up by his agent.

Ampofo, who works for Ghanaian media outlet JoyNews, has followed the 5ft 6in star’s career with interest ever since.

He also vividly remembers the ‘cash-grab’ Super Clash as being the moment when Cudjoe announced himself on to the big stage.

“You don’t see that at every match,” Ampofo told Courier Sport. “But it’s a tradition the Asante Kotoko fans have.

“It’s their way of thanking players who have really stood out in a game.

“In the game against their sworn rivals Hearts of Oak, Mathew was so good that fans threw money at him.

“He didn’t score, he didn’t even provide an assist but the way he was taking on players made him stand out.

“If you look at his height you would think he will be bullied by defenders, but he showed in the Super Clash that he’s not scared of anyone.

“He’s really quick on the ball, determined and competitive.

“Even if he loses the ball on a dribble, he presses to win it back.

“He isn’t yet the finished product but he’s akin to a Raheem Sterling or Jadon Sancho.

“That’s in terms of his speed, skill and ability to get out of tight spaces with the ball. He’s left-footed like Lionel Messi but is more a Sterling or Sancho.”

Cudjoe trained with Bayern Munich but no move materialised.

Now, after making the switch to United from Young Apostles – subject to a work permit – his European adventure has started.

“The biggest thing for Mathew is the endorsement he had from Gyan,” added Ampofo.

“Gyan is Ghana’s record goal scorer with 51 goals and he organises tournaments for young players to develop talent.

“At the end of one tournament Gyan ranked Cudjoe as the best player and his agent signed him.

“Gyan could see Cudjoe could be the next big thing.

“If Dundee United put him on a special diet or training programme then they could have a real talent on their hands.”

United sporting director Tony Asghar told the club website that Cudjoe was a player the club have high hopes for, saying: “We believe we can give him the platform to hone his talent and hopefully have a very strong career.”

Dundee United manager Tam Courts.