Brighton star makes international switch to Ghana
Brighton defender Tariq Lamptey has decided play international football for Ghana after representing England at youth level.
The London-born right-back featured from Under 18 to U21 level in the past for the Three Lions but has now switched his allegiance to the Black Stars – who he qualifies to play for through his parents.
His decision will give him a chance of competing at the 2022 World Cup with the Black Stars
Lamptey – who has been linked with the likes of Tottenham and Arsenal in recent months – has just enjoyed a solid season with the Seagulls after they secured a top half Premier League finish, and his presence will be key for the team ahead of the World Cup in Qatar next year.
Along with Lamptey, Ghana have also lured Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu an Athletic Bilbao forward Inaki Williams.
Lamptey has previously represented England at youth level – from the Under 18s to Under 21s
A statement from Ghana FA president Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku said: ‘Tariq Lamptey, Inaki Williams, Mohammed Salisu, Stephan Ambrosius, Patrick Pfeffer and Ransford Yeboah [are] available for national selection.
‘We have always maintained that we will not limit ourselves to only a small group of players but would scout top talents across the globe who are ready to sacrifice for the nation and take us to the next level.’
Lamptey’s father Ahmed had a major influence in arranging for the player to switch international sides, the Athletic claim, while former Brighton boss Chris Hughton – who is now the country’s technical advisor – also played a key role.
In May, Lamptey asked to be left out of England U21’s European Championship qualifiers against Czech Republic, Albania, Kosovo and Slovenia. Boss Lee Carsley said at the time that the team would respect his wishes but reiterated that he was an important player for them.
Ghana FA president Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku shakes hands with Lamptey’s father after agreeing to switch his allegiance
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‘There’s an issue over his dual nationality,’ he said. ‘He’s had an approach. It’s something he’s considering at the minute.
‘He’s asked to be left out of the squad for a bit of head space. He’s not switched, it’s not cemented or anything like that.
‘But he’s had an approach (from Ghana), we have to respect that. We’ve made it clear how important we see him to us. I know the seniors have as well.
‘It’s not something that we’ve given up on. Tariq is fully aware of how important we see him.’