Dwamena faces work permit hearing on Friday - ahead of Brighton transfer
Ghanaian striker Raphael Dwamena has arrived in Brighton ahead of a medical and an all-important work permit hearing on Friday (tomorrow) before completing a transfer to join English Premier League new boys Brighton and Hove Albion.
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The Seagulls, earlier this week agreed a fee of around £10 million with Swiss side FC Zurich for the lanky 21-year-old who has also agreed personal terms although the deal is subject to work permit and international clearance processes.
Dwamena, 21, arrived in Brighton and Hove, East Sussex on Wednesday after spending the night in Paris waiting for an entry visa to travel into the United Kingdom.
He is due to undergo a medical at Brighton's Amex Stadium base and later face what is likely to be a complicated work permit hearing.
The rules prevent clubs from signing non-EU players that have not played 75% of international games that they were available for in the two-years prior to the application.
Dwamena is likely to face some difficulty in this case because he only made his international debut two months ago on June 11, 2017 in an African Cup of Nations qualifier against Ethiopia, where he scored a brace.
He, however ticks another requirement which states that the player's country must be in the top 70 in the FIFA rankings because the Black Stars of Ghana are currently ranked 50th on the FIFA Coca Cola rankings.
But under the current regulations, clubs can appeal a decision should their player not meet those standards.
The club in question must prove to their peers that the player in question, despite not meeting the requirements, has the talent to improve the competition in this country and aid the growth of the game.
Dwamena's imminent capture will likely force-out Israeli striker Tomer Hemed before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
If the deal goes through, Dwamena will likely not be available for selection by Brighton boss, Chris Hughton until the after the international break at home to West Brom on September 9.
Meanwhile, the striker has been named in Ghana's squad released Wednesday for the forthcoming FIFA World Cup qualifying double-header against Congo.
