Black Stars coach Otto Addo has named four debutants in his 26-man squad for the March international friendlies against Austria and Germany on 27 and 30 respectively.

Among them is Daniel Agyei, who will be hoping to stake a claim during the preparatory matches ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Ghana are set to face England, Croatia and Panama in the group stage of the tournament.

But who exactly is the 28-year-old?

Background

Daniel Ebenezer Kwasi Agyei was born on 1 June 1997 in Kingston upon Thames, in south-west London.

Both of his parents are Ghanaian, and although they lived in England, he is eligible to represent either nation at international level.

However, Agyei has chosen to represent Ghana.

International experience

Despite playing professionally for over a decade, Agyei has not featured for any national team at youth level, either for Ghana or England (U-18, U-19, or U-20).

He developed through the ranks at AFC Wimbledon, playing for the club’s under-21 side, before going on to feature for clubs including Burnley FC, Bradford City and Coventry City.

Early career highlights

Agyei made his professional league debut against Bradford City on 20 August 2016, scoring his first goal to give Coventry City the lead in a 3–1 defeat at Valley Parade.

In October 2016, he scored Coventry’s fastest-ever goal at the Ricoh Arena, finding the net after just 19.5 seconds in a 3–1 win over Northampton Town in the EFL Trophy.

He later made his English Premier League debut on 17 March 2017 against Liverpool FC, coming on as a substitute for Scott Arfield. Liverpool won the game 2-0.

Agyei went on to make three appearances in the English top flight.

Versatility

One of Agyei’s key strengths is his versatility.

He is capable of playing in multiple positions, including midfield, right wing, left wing, as a second striker, or leading the attack.

The attacker is predominantly left-footed but often operates from the right flank.

Plays in Turkey

After spells with Leyton Orient, Crewe Alexandra, Oxford United, Walsall FC, Blackpool FC and Burnley, Agyei signed a two-year contract with Kocaelispor on 27 June 2025.

The club had just been promoted to the Turkish Süper Lig.

As of November 2025, he had made 10 league appearances, scoring one goal and providing no assists.

Across all competitions this season, he has scored four goals in 27 appearances.