Jordan Ayew could face a difficult decision over his Black Stars future when Carlos Queiroz names his squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with the veteran captain reportedly expected to be included despite the growing criticism surrounding his performances.

Ghana will face Côte d’Ivoire on September 24, 2026, before taking on The Gambia three days later, and reports suggest Queiroz is prepared to retain Ayew as part of his plans.

But whether the 34-year-old answers that call could become an interesting subplot, particularly as his club situation is finally beginning to take shape.

According to reports, Jordan has travelled to England to finalise a move to Sheffield United.

He has been without a club since leaving Leicester City at the end of the 2025/26 season and is now on the verge of returning to competitive football.

That timing could make the decision more complicated.

If Jordan accepts the Black Stars invitation, he would immediately return to an environment where expectations remain extremely high, potentially interrupting the early stages of settling into his new club.

His situation with the national team has also become increasingly uncomfortable among sections of the Ghanaian support.

The Black Stars captain started all four of Ghana’s matches at the 2026 World Cup but failed to register a shot on target, leading to criticism of his performances.

That criticism continued after the tournament, with even a video of him in casual games sparking another wave of reactions from fans.

For Jordan, accepting the call-up would therefore mean stepping straight back into the spotlight, with every performance likely to be scrutinised.

Rejecting it, meanwhile, could allow him to concentrate fully on his new club, regain competitive sharpness and build momentum after months without regular professional football.

There is also the leadership argument.

Jordan remains Ghana’s captain and one of the most experienced players in the squad, meaning Queiroz may value his presence despite the criticism.

The decision, therefore, is bigger than simply whether Jordan wants to play for Ghana.

It could come down to what is best for the next stage of his career: returning immediately to international duty, or focusing on finally rebuilding his club career.

The question may no longer only be whether Queiroz still wants Jordan.

It may also be whether Jordan, with a new club chapter beginning and Ghanaian fans demanding more from him, believes now is the right time to answer or reject the call.

FKA/AM