In an offseason defined by continuity and homegrown promotion, Gideon Baah's signing with the New York Red Bulls certainly stands out.
The 24-year-old Ghanaian center back joins the club from HJK Helsinki, presumably to fill the void left behind by the now Chelsea-clad Matt Miazga.
Little is known about Baah. While both New York head coach Jesse Marsch and sporting director Ali Curtis have heaped praise on the young defender, Baah has played in relative obscurity, moving from the Ghanaian Premier League to Finland, where he ultimately played three seasons.
So who is Gideon Baah? Let's find out.
A Family Man
Baah is the product of a large family – and the patriarch of his own.
"I have no brothers. I have sisters that are married and I have a little daughter. She is 14 months old," he said. "I have five sisters and my parents who live in Ghana and that is pretty much my family."
Baah's family is the driving force behind his career. In fact, he credits much of his on-field success to their support off the field.
"As a footballer, family gives you piece of mind," he explains. "When you have your family, you have the peace of mind to play. When your family is OK, then you are OK. To me, as a person, family is an integral part of someone's life. My family always follows me where I go, and they are very supportive – even my extended family."
From TV to reality
While enjoying a career-year at Helsinki, Baah got a taste for MLS soccer while flipping through channels in Europe.
That exposure served to whet his appetite – particularly when it came to his signing with the Red Bulls.
"I was familiar, especially last season, which was a great MLS season," he said. "I was fortunate to watch a couple of games. I was so thrilled and surprised by the level of football, the level of [fan interest]. On the whole, it was a good season in the MLS, and I was more curious to join the MLS and see how it goes. But I have a little more knowledge of how MLS was and that is why the decision to play for Red Bulls wasn't a difficult one at all."
First cap leads him to America
Already curious from his exposure to MLS, Baah's first international call-up only served to further his intrigue. The former Helsinki defender found himself at RFK Stadium last October, coming on as a late-game sub in Ghana's 1-1 draw against Canada.
"When I got the call, I was really excited," Baah said, recalling that day. "I can't explain my reaction. I was happy, my family was happy, my fans were happy and the people who watched me in Finland were not surprised because they really thought I deserved it."
National-team dream come true
Baah's cap was the culmination of years of work – a moment he awaited breathlessly since breaking in as a professional in 2009 at the tender age of 18.
"It was the highlight of my year in 2015. I had a good season, a good year. It was a dream come true. Every player in Ghana wishes to be called in the national team. I was looking forward to a call-up for some time, and it finally came last year. I got little minutes to play, but for me, it was a great opportunity and the highlight of 2015."
And then he met Lloyd
Baah played all of three minutes against Canada, but they may have been the most influential three minutes of his life.
While in camp with the national team, Baah met another newbie to the Ghana ranks: New York midfielder Lloyd Sam. The dynamic Red Bulls winger liked what he saw from the young defender and proceeded to play matchmaker.
"That is where I met Lloyd. He was talking about Red Bulls, it's a good organization with good people who live like a family and that I would enjoy myself there," Baah said. "The team had to look at me, how I would fit in the team, whether or not I was a good player for the Red Bulls. It wasn't that difficult. Red Bulls were thinking I would fit into their system.
"It turned out to be good, starting with Lloyd to all the way here."
Breaking the news
The family man found a team who embodied the values he treasured most, but that wasn't going to be enough to pull the trigger on a move Stateside.
To do that, Baah had to speak to his boss.
Upon receiving interest from Red Bulls, Baah spoke to his wife about the possibility of uprooting the family across the Atlantic -- a move she enthusiastically supported.
"She was more than happy! We planned on moving to the States coming to visit my brother in law who lives in Delaware. We were planning on coming on holidays, maybe in the summer or some break. Lo and behold, we have the opportunity to play for Red Bulls!" Baah said. "My family was more than happy to join me here. They will be happy here. New York is a great city and everyone loves to be here."
Settling in
Before his family makes the move, Baah has some house hunting to do – and he already has an idea of where he would like to live.
"I may be living in New Jersey, Morristown near the training facility. Basically I will be around town, and my family will be joining me soon, maybe after we start the league. I need to get things sorted out before they get here; find a place and a car to move around with and some basic stuff that the club is helping me with. The club is doing a good job, and I am happy about it."
And while his off-field life continues to coalesce, his on-field challenges begin.
It is no secret that Baah was hired to replace recently transferred 20-year-old Academy product Matt Miazga to Chelsea FC. Miazga was a key figure in the Red Bulls high-pressing system last season, and Baah will be expected to take up a large part of his role.
For his part, the Ghanaian defender is not fazed.
"I don't feel any pressure at all. I believe in myself and my abilities. As a player, I have learned one thing throughout my career: you shouldn't be carried away, you shouldn't let the crowd intimidate you. I am not someone who is moved by pressure. I just get on my game and move forward."
Ghana’s "Sueño"
In 2007, Baah won a soccer reality show (MTN Soccer Academy) in his home country and received a number of prizes, including cash, a car, trip to watch the 2010 FIFA World Cup and a two-week trial at Chelsea FC academy, much like a similar program in the US known as "Sueño MLS" that produced former Chivas USA and Portland Timbers fullback Jorge Villafana. Chelsea and Ghanaian international Michael Essien were said to be very happy with Baah's performance and urged the club to offer him a contract, but he later returned to Ghana.
Feeling the love
Despite taking over the spot of a beloved figure within the club, Baah has been taken aback by the strong support he has already felt from New York Red Bulls fans.
"I was a little bit surprised," he said. "On Twitter, all of a sudden I have a lot of followers! Social media here in the States, in MLS, is very high. I have to watch what I put in there because of the coverage and media hype. I just need to do well so all my fans, all my family will be happy about me."
Hoping to see the sights
Make no mistake about it: Baah is fully immersed in his transition to the New York Red Bulls and early reviews on his play have been positive.
However, the glitz and glamour surrounding New York and its unique lifestyle are not lost on the Ghanaian international, and he hopes to take in the sights – when the time is right.
"It is a bad time before the season," he said with a laugh. "If [the signing] were done weeks ago, it would have been perfect to go around the city. But regardless, when we have a day off, I plan on exploring the city. It is a wonderful place from what I see on TV. There is little time for me to do these things. We are in preseason in Florida and the league starts in a couple of weeks time, so exploring will come later – much later when we have some time.
"Right now, I don't think it's time for that. I would like to see Times Square, though!"
