Ghana midfielder Anthony Annan secured a one-year move to Finnish champions HJK Helsinki on the blind side of everyone on transfer deadline day.

The 28-year-old completed his move before the transfer window for almost all the European countries shut on by Monday midnight.

Annan had however arrived in Finnish capital to sign a one-year deal with HJK.

He thus joins compatriot Gideon Baah who has been an instant hit since arriving at the start of the season from Honka FC.

Annan’s move to HJK is his latest attempt to revive his career following a torrid three-year spell at German club Schalke 04.

His time with the Royal Blues proved unsuccessful, owing his problems predominantly to injuries.

He played for Vitesse and Osasuna on loan deals during his turbulent time at Schalke.

The German club decided against extending his contract when it expired at the end of last season.

He thus joins HJK as a free agent, his seventh club since his arrival in Europe with IK Start back in 2007.