This is Amankwah Forson | OneFootball

Taking big steps towards first team

It came in the table-topping clash against Sturm Graz, of all matches: Amankwah Forson made his first start for our Red Bulls in the Austrian Bundesliga, then did so again when we played Rapid. A number of injuries were a factor, but it had only been a matter of time until the Ghanian made his first start for us.

Having grown up in Konongo – a city in the interior of Ghana – the midfielder began his footballing journey around 300 kilometres away in the West African Football Academy (WAFA) in Sogakope. The move there paved the way to his move to Austria, as the WAFA took part in the Next Generation Trophy at the Red Bull Football Academy, where he was one of the best players, impressing with his intelligent style of play.

A little later he was on his way to Salzburg. After making a few appearances for the U18 team, Amankwah moved to FC Liefering, for whom he was a regular last season. In summer 2022, our 20-year-old number 32 went on loan to SCR Altach, in order to gain playing time in the ADMIRAL Bundesliga.

The versatile midfielder impressed in Altach with his technical ability and nifty play. He even scored on his first appearance for the club in the ÖFB Cup.

18 appearances and seven direct goal involvements (two against us) later, he left Miroslav Klose's side to become part of our Red Bulls' squad once more. It proved to be a brilliant decision. Due to a number of injuries, he was able to make a lot of substitute appearances and make his claim for a start. The youngster appeared in no way overwhelmed with a successful first appearance in Graz. It is quite possible that the boy will now play an increasingly important role in our squad.