Jordan Ayew could find himself facing a difficult decision over his Black Stars future when coach Carlos Queiroz names his squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The veteran forward is reportedly expected to retain his place in Ghana’s plans despite mounting criticism over his recent performances.
Ghana are scheduled to face Côte d’Ivoire on September 24, 2026, before meeting The Gambia three days later, with Ayew potentially set to feature in both games.
However, the biggest question may not be whether Queiroz wants the 34-year-old captain in his squad, but whether Ayew believes accepting the invitation is the right decision for his career at this stage.
Ayew’s club future is finally beginning to take shape after he became a free agent following his departure from Leicester City at the end of the 2025/26 season.
Reports indicate that he has travelled to England to complete a move to Sheffield United, potentially ending a spell without regular competitive football.
The timing of the proposed move could make an international call-up particularly significant.
Accepting Ghana’s invitation would mean returning almost immediately to the intense scrutiny that has followed him with the national team, while also potentially disrupting the early stages of his transition to a new club.
Ayew’s performances for the Black Stars have attracted increased criticism, particularly following the 2026 World Cup.
The captain started all four of Ghana’s matches at the tournament but did not manage a shot on target, prompting questions from sections of the fanbase about his effectiveness in attack.
The criticism did not end with the World Cup. Even footage of Ayew participating in casual football games after the tournament triggered another wave of reactions from some Ghanaian supporters.
A return to the Black Stars would therefore place him under immediate pressure, with his performances likely to be closely watched.
On the other hand, turning down the invitation could allow Ayew to focus entirely on rebuilding his club career.
After spending months without regular competitive football, staying with his new club could help him regain match sharpness, settle into his surroundings and build momentum without the additional demands of international football.
There is also a strong argument for Queiroz to keep Ayew involved.
As Ghana’s captain and one of the most experienced players in the squad, his leadership and knowledge of international football could remain valuable to the Portuguese coach, regardless of the criticism surrounding his performances.
That makes the situation more complicated than a simple question of whether Ayew still wants to play for Ghana.
With a potential new club chapter about to begin, the veteran forward may have to weigh the importance of international duty against the need to rebuild his career at club level.
The question, ultimately, may no longer be whether Queiroz still wants Jordan Ayew.
It could also be whether Ayew believes now is the right time to answer the call.
