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EXCLUSIVE: Negotiations ‘advanced’ between Maxwell Konadu and Hearts of Oak
Negotiations are 'advanced' between Coach Maxwell Konadu and Hearts of Oak, with the former Asante Kotoko and Black Stars assistant coach on the verge of a high-profile return to Ghanaian football, GHANAsoccernet.com can exclusively report.
GHANAsoccernet.com Headquarters can report that Konadu is the top candidate to replace current head coach Aboubakar Ouattara, who is being considered for a reassignment as technical director.
Hearts of Oak have made no secret of their ambition to restore their status as a dominant force in Ghanaian football, and securing the services of the vastly experienced Konadu is seen as a key step in that direction. Talks have progressed significantly, and an agreement in principle is already in place, although final details are still being ironed out.
The club is believed to be preparing a lucrative financial package in an effort to convince Konadu to take the reins. The 52-year-old, who last managed South African side Black Leopards, has been out of work since his departure but remains a respected figure within Ghanaian football circles.
A potential stumbling block to the appointment, however, lies in the dynamics between Konadu and Ouattara. Sources close to the negotiations suggest Konadu is hesitant to work under the Ivorian, given his more extensive coaching résumé and stature in Ghanaian football. This internal friction has delayed the formal announcement, GHANAsoccernet.com can report.
Should the deal be finalized, it would mark a major coup for Hearts of Oak. Konadu boasts a decorated coaching career, with a recent highlight being his FA Cup triumph with Nsoatreman FC. He has also served as head coach of Ghana’s U-23 team and as assistant coach to the senior national side under multiple high-profile managers including Milovan Rajevac, Avram Grant, Kwesi Appiah, Otto Addo, and Chris Hughton.
His deep familiarity with the Ghana Premier League, combined with international experience, makes him a compelling choice for Hearts as the club seeks stability and a return to silverware. The Phobians finished fourth in the current campaign under Ouattara but have struggled to maintain consistency since their 2021 league triumph.
The proposed restructuring, elevating Ouattara to a strategic technical role and installing Konadu as head coach, underscores the club’s intent to build a more robust and competitive setup. If confirmed, Konadu will face the challenge of uniting the squad, re-energizing the fan base, and driving the club back to the summit of Ghanaian football.
For now, all eyes remain on the outcome of the final negotiations. But there is a growing sense among supporters that the arrival of Maxwell Konadu could signal the beginning of a new and promising era at Hearts of Oak.
Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet
