Raphael Dwamena: How a Heart Problem Denied Ghana Forward Dream Premier League Move to Brighton

• Ghana striker Raphael Dwamena has died from a heart attack
• The former Black Stars forward collapsed during a league game in Albania
• Dwamena was close to joining English Premier League side Brighton in 2017

On Saturday, November 11, 2023, football lost a gem. Raphael Dwamena's career was ended by the cold hands of death after the Ghanaian striker collapsed and died in a league game in Albania.

The 28-year-old fell in the 23rd minute of the game between FK Egnatia and KF Partizani and was rushed to the Kavaja Hospital, where he was declared dead.

Dwamena has been Egnatia's best player this season, but his complicated career ended after another episode of a heart attack.

Before moving to Albania at the beginning of the year, the striker had played in Austria, Switzerland, Spain, and Denmark.

Lionel Messi Opens Up on a Possible Return to Barcelona After 8th Ballon d’Or Win

Football

His first case of a heart problem was when his move to English Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion fell through in 2017, as reported by ghanasoccernet.com.

Why Brighton decided against signing Dwamena

Fresh off winning the Swiss League with FC Zurich, Dwamena started to draw the attention of clubs across Europe after netting 12 goals in his first season in Switzerland. Brighton and Hove Albion beat off competition from other clubs to agree a deal with the forward. A fee between the English club and FC Zurich had also been agreed.

However, Dwamena's dream move fell through after a heart problem was detected.

Dwamena was disappointed and believed it was not meant to be as he returned to FC Zurich.

This medical check, I don't know if you heard of it. They said there was something special with the heart, and they could not take the risk. But they asked me if I had a heart problem or anybody in my family had a heart problem. I said no," he told Joy FM in an early interview.

When Zidane spoke about becoming Man United boss as Ten Hag faces sack calls

Football

"But you know the lord has his way of taking us to the next level, and I always pray if it is the lord's will, he should let it happen. I remember in the plane I was praying to the lord if it your will let it happen. If it is my time to play in the English Premier League, I will be there," he added.

Dwamena ended up joining Spanish side Levante, but he was later sent on loan.

Three times Dwamena's contract was cancelled

After his move to Brughton was botched, Dwamena went on to sign for Levante, but it was during his loan spell at Real Zaragoza that another problem with his heart resurfaced. His contract with Zaragoza had to be terminated in 2019.

In 2020, during his loan spell with Velje Boldklub, Dwamena's stay was ended briefly after another setback, forcing his contract to be cancelled.

“It’s my team,” Erik ten Hag takes responsibility for Carabao Cup loss to Newcastle

Football

Despite advise to quit football, the striker moved on to join Austrian lower-tier side BW Linz in 2021, but after collapsing on the pitch, he ended up leaving the club.

Raphael Dwamena dies during league game

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Ghanaian footballer Raphael Dwamena has sadly passed away after collapsing during an Albanian Superliga game between FK Egnatia and KF Partizani.

The 28-year-old collapsed in the 23rd minute of the game and had to be rushed to the hospital, where he was declared dead.

Dwamena has been playing with an Implantable Cardioverter-Defribillator due to a heart problem.