Ghana winger Osman Bukari set for European return in record-breaking move to Widzew Lodz

Ghana winger Osman Bukari is set to return to European football after agreeing a record-breaking transfer to Polish top-flight side Widzew Lodz, in a deal reported to be worth around 5 million euros.

The move, once final documentation is completed with Austin FC, will become the most expensive signing in Ekstraklasa history, surpassing the previous record of 3 million euros paid by Legia Warsaw for Mileta Rajovic. Bukari has already passed his medical and signed his contract with Widzew, with the final stages of the agreement now being wrapped up between the two clubs.

The 27-year-old’s switch to Poland brings an end to his brief spell in Major League Soccer, having joined Austin FC from Red Star Belgrade in the summer of 2024 for 7 million euros. During his time in the United States, Bukari made 39 appearances across all competitions, scoring five goals and providing six assists. While his numbers were modest, his pace, work rate, and ability to stretch defences made him a regular feature in Austin’s attack.

Bukari’s reputation was firmly established during his time at Red Star Belgrade, where he enjoyed his most productive period in Europe. In the 2023-24 season, he scored seven league goals and provided five assists in 24 appearances, while also contributing two goals and two assists on the Champions League stage in six matches. His performances in Serbia elevated his profile and underlined his ability to perform in high-pressure environments.

Bukari’s European journey began in Slovakia with AS Trencin, where he developed into one of the league’s most exciting attacking players. He recorded 16 goals and 25 assists in 66 matches, earning moves to Gent in Belgium and later Nantes in France. Though his spells in Western Europe were mixed, they contributed to his tactical growth and versatility as a winger.

Bukari is primarily deployed on the right flank, where he thrives on direct dribbling, one-on-one situations, and cutting inside onto his stronger foot. His speed and willingness to attack defenders are qualities Widzew believe will add a new dimension to their forward line as they aim to strengthen their position in the Polish top flight.

On the international stage, Bukari has been capped 19 times by Ghana, scoring three goals and providing two assists. He remains best remembered by global audiences for his moment at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he scored against Portugal and followed it with Ronaldo’s famous celebration that quickly became one of the tournament’s talking points.

Widzew have been active early in the winter transfer window, also securing the services of Christopher Cheng from Sandfjord and Lukas Lerager from FC Copenhagen. The signing of Bukari, however, stands out as a clear statement of intent.

For Bukari, the move represents a return to European football at a crucial stage of his career, offering a fresh platform to rediscover the form that once made him one of Red Star Belgrade’s standout performers.

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