Buaben quits Dundee United

- eyes Swasea, Brighton moves

Ghanaian midfielder Prince Buaben has ended his stay with Scottish top-flight sides Dundee United and could move to England to play for Brighton or Swansea.

The 23-year old dynamic midfielder ended his three-year stay at the club on Sunday after seeing out his contract with the club.

Buaben thanked Dundee United for the miraculous turnaround he’s experienced at the club.

Buaben spent a year out of the game after being kicked out of the Ajax youth academy because of a problem with his passport.

The Ghanaian thought his passion for the game was lost, until then United boss Craig Levein took a chance on the player, giving him a trial with the club in 2007.

Since then, the player hasn’t looked back, winning plaudits across the country, holding down a place in the first team, being capped for his country, and lifting the Scottish Cup last season.

He did not think he would get his passion for football back until former United boss Craig Levein invited him to Scotland for a trial in 2007 and he has not looked back since, establishing himself in the United first team, playing for Ghana and lifting the Scottish Cup last season.

Buaben said: “After I left Ajax I didn’t play for a year and I fell out of love with the game.”

“I was back in Manchester at college. I had been on trial a few places but nothing worked out and, to be honest, I wasn’t enjoying it.”

“But when my agent told me United wanted me I came up, loved the place and did well enough for the manager to sign me.”

“Coming to Dundee United saved my career. I honestly don’t know what I would be doing now if it hadn’t happened.”

“The last few years have been amazing. I have picked up experience, played against some really good players, played in Europe and, of course, won the Scottish Cup.”

“That day has been the highlight and it is something which will stay with me forever.”

“But it’s time to move on now; I feel I need a fresh challenge.”

Buaben added: “I have nothing concrete yet. My agent is speaking to a few people but we will just wait and see what happens.”

Dundee United are set to lose several influential players besides Buaben. Craig Conway, Morgaro Gomis and David Robertson are amongst the players who’ll move on to pastures new, but Buaben reckons United will continue to progress under Peter Houston.

He said: “It will be an emotional day for everyone because this is the end for some of us.”

“In a way I am looking forward to it because it will be special, but in another it will also be a sad day.”

“But these things happen in football and it’s time to move on.”

“The boys have been fantastic to me since I joined the club. They have helped me in my career and I will always be grateful for what they have done.”

“Although some of us are leaving the club has great players left and with the young ones coming through I can only see the team getting stronger.”