Tag: PAOK

  • Baba Rahman addresses calls for his return to the Black Stars

    Baba Rahman addresses calls for his return to the Black Stars

    Ghanaian defender Baba Rahman has expressed his willingness to return to the Black Stars when fully fit. He explained that his decision to step back from the national team was due to injuries that had impacted his club performances.

    The PAOK player acknowledged the calls from Ghanaian fans for his return to the team, saying he appreciates their support and intends to rejoin the squad when the timing is right.

    Speaking with the BBC, Baba Rahman confirmed that, with his injury issues now under control, he is open to making himself available for national team selection.

    “It’s a personal decision to take a break (from Ghana) to concentrate on my fitness because I’ve not had a great time with injuries. When I joined PAOK last year, I just thought it was wise to stay away a bit from international football to get my fitness back.

    “Fans are asking me all the time to come back to play for Ghana, but I think I need to take care of my health before everything right now. People know about my injury history, and it has really been a difficult few years. I just want to enjoy my club football again, and then I know my international career will take off again too,” he said.

    Rahman, one of the more seasoned defenders in the Black Stars lineup, has faced criticism for his inconsistent performances with the team.

    The left-back’s last appearance for Ghana was in September 2023 during an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Central African Republic (CAR) in Kumasi.

  • Premier League eye Baba Rahman after impressive season with PAOK

    Premier League eye Baba Rahman after impressive season with PAOK

    Ghanaian defender Baba Rahman has garnered attention from two English Premier League clubs following his impressive season with Greek giants PAOK.

    Reports from both Greece and local media in Ghana indicate that several English clubs have expressed interest in the former Chelsea left-back.

    Rahman Baba has experienced a standout season, marking his return to PAOK with resounding success.

    He has featured in 42 matches, accumulating an impressive 3,382 minutes of playtime, while also netting 6 goals and providing 4 assists.

    His remarkable performances on the pitch this season have sparked speculation about a potential transfer.

    Rahman is no stranger to English football, having previously represented Chelsea and Reading.

    According to Ghanaian reports, scouts from Brentford were in attendance at PAOK’s recent match against Dinamo Zagreb to closely monitor his performance.

    Brentford, having suffered the loss of Rico Henry to a knee injury, are actively scouring the transfer market for reinforcements.

    Additionally, newly-promoted Ipswich, eager to strengthen their squad for the Premier League campaign, have identified Rahman as a target.

    The report highlights that “Baba has rediscovered his best form, and his tenure at PAOK has been distinguished by remarkable performances in both the league and European competitions.

  • Baba Rahman secures historic Greek Championship with PAOK

    Ghanaian defender Baba Rahman clinched the Greek Super League title with PAOK Thessaloniki on the final day of the season.

    The 29-year-old had an impressive season, finishing as the defender with the most goal contributions. PAOK triumphed over giants Olympiakos and Panathinaikos to secure the championship.

    Rahman played the full match in the decisive game as PAOK defeated ARIS on Sunday.

    Brandon put the visitors ahead at the half-hour mark, but ARIS equalized shortly after the break through Moron Garcia.

    Taison secured the victory for PAOK with a goal on the hour mark, sealing their status as champions.

    Rahman concluded the season with five goals and three assists, marking his best goal tally since moving to Europe.

    The former Augsburg defender returned to Greece after his stint with Chelsea in England.

    Meanwhile, reports from England suggest that the experienced left-back might return to the Premier League, with Brentford expressing interest in signing him.

  • Baba Rahman named as Ghana’s highest-scoring defender in Europe

    Baba Rahman named as Ghana’s highest-scoring defender in Europe

    Baba Rahman’s outstanding season with PAOK Thessaloniki in Greece continues to impress, as he notched his fourth goal of the campaign.

    The Ghanaian defender has emerged as the highest-scoring defender from his country in the 2023–2024 season, marking a significant achievement.

    This season stands out as Rahman’s most prolific since his departure from Chelsea, with seven goals already contributed halfway through the season.

    Despite facing an injury scare and collapsing during the Greek Cup semi-final against Panathinaikos, Rahman returned to the squad for Sunday’s match.

    Beyond his attacking prowess, the 30-year-old has also demonstrated reliability in defence, contributing to PAOK’s solidity at the back.

    Rahman’s impressive goal tally places him atop the scoring charts among Ghanaian defenders in European leagues.

    Other defenders, such as Dennis Odoi, have also found the back of the net this season.

    Additionally, players like Mohammed Salisu and Tariq Lamptey have been instrumental in providing assists for their respective clubs in league competitions.

  • Baba Rahman hospitalised after collapsing from a head-to-head collision with opponent

    Baba Rahman hospitalised after collapsing from a head-to-head collision with opponent

    During a semi-final match in the Greek Cup on Wednesday evening, Ghanaian defender Abdul Baba Rahman experienced a terrifying moment when he collapsed on the pitch.

    Rahman, who plays as a left-back for PAOK, collided with an opponent from Panathinaikos during the game.

    The incident occurred in the 115th minute of the match, which had entered extra time following a 2-2 draw in regular time.

    Rahman lost consciousness after his head inadvertently collided with an opponent’s during an aerial duel.

    Immediate medical assistance was provided to Rahman on the field, and fortunately, he regained consciousness shortly afterward.

    However, as a precautionary measure, he was taken off the pitch in an ambulance and is currently undergoing further observation at a hospital.

    The match was briefly paused due to the incident but resumed eventually, ending in a penalty shootout after neither team could break the deadlock.

    Panathinaikos emerged victorious in the shootout, securing their place in the Greek Cup final with a 6-5 win.

  • Baba Rahman making waves at PAOK as he scores back-to-back in games

    Baba Rahman making waves at PAOK as he scores back-to-back in games


    Ghanaian defender Baba Rahman
    has experienced a remarkable resurgence in form, showcasing a return to his peak performance with consecutive goals for PAOK in the Greek Super League.

    Following a standout performance with a goal and assist in a 4-0 victory over OFI Crete on Wednesday, Rahman continued his goal-scoring spree in Sunday’s match against Aris, despite PAOK’s 2-1 defeat.

    Despite the setback in the league standings, Rahman’s goal adds to his impressive season tally, boasting a total of five goal contributions—two goals and three assists.

    The left-back’s resurgence mirrors his earlier days, garnering support from Ghanaian football fans who appreciate his return to peak form.

    Rahman’s decision to skip the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations to focus on club football has been well-received by fans, emphasizing the importance of his consistency and avoiding injuries given his past challenges.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6PSTafgt0w
  • Baba Rahman returns to PAOK

    Baba Rahman returns to PAOK

    Ghanaian international Baba Rahman has marked his comeback to PAOK for a second spell by playing his first match.

    The Black Stars defender secured a starting role as PAOK triumphed over Saudi team Al-Taawon with a convincing 4-1 victory in a preseason friendly.

    Al-Taawon took an early lead through Spanish midfielder Alvaro Medran, but Stefanos Tzimas equalized before the first half concluded.

    PAOK’s second-half performance improved, leading to three additional goals scored by Thomas Murg, Georgios Vrakas, and an own goal, securing a comfortable win.

    Baba Rahman rejoined the Greek club following his departure from English giants Chelsea after an eight-year tenure.

    The former Augsburg left-back signed a three-year contract that will see him stay at PAOK until the summer of 2026.

  • Baba Rahman eyes trophies and league titles after PAOK return

     Ghanaian international Abdul Baba Rahman has his sights set on winning both the Greek league and the Cup after joining the POAK giants.

    The 29-year-old returned to the team this summer after his contract with English Premier League team Chelsea expired, signing a three-year agreement.

    Baba Rahman rejoins PAOK, a team that offered him a chance during the second half of the 2020–21 campaign when he was on loan.

    During his six-month stint, he participated in 17 games and assisted the team in capturing the Greek Cup. The left-back contributed one assist and one goal during the era.

    The Ghanaian outlined his goals for his second visit in his first interview after joining the team again.

    “First of all, I missed the fans at the stadium [during my first spell due to Covid-19]. That is something I want to experience,” he said.

    “I want to win the league and the cup”

    “I won the cup, but now I want to win both the league and cup as well.”

    PAOK will be playing in the UEFA Europa Conference League qualification after finishing fourth during the 2022/23 Greek season.