Asante Kotoko Chief Executive Officer, Nana Yaw Amponsah has explained the club failed to sign Mathew Anim Cudjoe because they could not meet the demands of the teenager's manager.

Speaking for the first time on the issue, Amponsah said Cudjoe's manager, Samuel Anim Addo asked for $250,000 - an amount he thought was huge.

"Mathew Anim Cudjoe's agent was quoting $250,000 loan deal but the coach [Maxwell Konadu] didn't want a loan player. I spoke to Samuel Anim Addo that the money was huge but he still demanded such amount," he was quoted as saying on Kumasi-based Oyerepa FM.

Kotoko wanted to sign the talented winger on a permanent deal following an exceptional loan spell. Cudjoe, with no first-team experience, emerged as one of Kotoko’s best players during the cancelled 2019/20 season.

The 17-year-old is best remembered by Kotoko for his impressive performance as a substitute in the 2-1 victory over Hearts of Oak at the Accra Sports Stadium. He won the penalty which settled the tight encounter in Kotoko's favour.

Cudjoe is currently on the books of Legon Cities, joining them on transfer deadline day. It is believed that Cudjoe was included in Asamoah Gyan's big-money deal since Anim Addo is also the business manager of the legendary Black Stars striker.