Rayo OKC Adds Ghanaian International Derek Boateng

Rayo OKC has signed two-time World Cup participant Derek Owusu Boateng, the club announced Monday.

Boateng played in the 2006 World Cup in Germany and in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa with the Ghanaian national team. He made three appearances for Ghana in the World Cup.

The veteran midfielder brings a wealth of experience to the Rayo OKC roster from some of the most prestigious leagues in the world. Boateng has played in the English Premier League with Fulham, the Ukrainian Premier League with Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk, in La Liga with Eibar, and Getafe and in the German Bundesliga with FC Koln.

“It is essential to have experience, presence, and leadership in the center of the park, and the singing of Boateng fulfills that need,” head coach Alen Marcina said. “With Boateng, we have an outstanding person and player with experience on some of the best leagues in the world, which include Spain’s La Liga, the English Premier League, the German Bundesliga as well as representing his country in the World Cup.”

Boateng, a 32-year-old native of Accra, Ghana, has also played in the Israeli Premier League with Beitar Jerusalem FC, Swedish side AIK, and the Greek Super League with Panathinaikos.

“I’m very happy and excited to join Rayo OKC,” Boateng said. “I am bringing 15 or 16 years of experience in Europe in some of the top leagues in the world and I am looking forward to getting started. I feel like we can be successful and have a good year in the NASL. I’m very thankful for the opportunity.”