Kweku Essien Kweku Essien Essien began his professional career 2003 at Asante Kotoko but left the club in 2005 and moved to F.C. Maamobi. The central midfielder had a very good season at F.C. Maamobi in the 2005–06 Ghana Premier League season but was loaned out to Accra Hearts of Oak SC for $60,000 until June 2007. He was outstanding for King Faisal in their Premier League campaign, picking up 10 Most Valuable Player awards in the season. In 2007, he failed another trial, this time with Austrian side Sturm Graz. So far the MVP of Ghana football league for 2006–07 has
Michael Essien 12 yellow cards in league play. He opened the new campaign by scoring on his season debut against Lens in a 1–1 draw and converted five more league goals, which included one in a surprising 2–0 victory over the defending champions Lyon. Following the campaign, in which Bastia finished mid-table for the third consecutive season, Essien drew interest from Paris Saint-Germain, Lyon and Marseille. Paris Saint-Germain made Bastia the best offer and it was accepted. However, Essien rejected PSG's contract offer, instead agreeing to terms with the two-time defending champions Lyon, who paid Bastia €7.8 million for the transfer. Upon