Once regarded as one of the most promising young players in the world. Played his local soccer with Liberty Professionals before leaving for Greece, at the age of 16.
From July 1999 to December 2000 he played for Kalamata FC. He impressed there and was snapped up by Panathinaikos in a deal reportedly worth over a million dollars in January 2001. Though he impressed for Panathinaikos, notably in European champions league games, he never really managed to break into the first team there.
January 2003: He moved on on a six-month loan to OFI Crete from Panathinaikos in an attempt to get more first team football. Derek had been inactive for the Greek giants during the beginning of the season. He said the opportunity to play first team football with OFI Crete also in the Greek first division had been a persuasive factor in the move.
He gained a lot of Champions' League experience with Panathinaikos before moving to another Greek club, OFI Crete, on a six-month loan in January 2003.
July 2003: Derek Boateng moves from Greek side, Panathinaikos, to AIK Stockholm. He finally signed a 3.5 year contract with the Swedish club. The final transfer figure is undisclosed.
Fulham sign Boateng
22 May 2013 -- Fulham have announced the signing of Ghana international midfielder Derek Boateng on a free transfer.The 30-year-old, who has 47 caps for his country, joins Martin Jol's side after leaving Dnipro, having previously played for Spanish side Getafe.
After the club received international clearance for Boateng, Fulham's newest recruit revealed his delight at joining the club and said he would give everything while he was there.
"I'm very happy that I have signed and I want to thank the chairman, the manager and the board at Fulham football club," he told the club's official website.
"I've been working hard to come here and I’ll do my best for the club.
"It's been a long road for me but now I'm here I'm so happy and I can’t wait to start and give everything I have."
Jsn 2016 Former Ghana international Derek Boateng has joined American second-tier side Rayo Oklahoma City, the player has announced to Swedish news outlet Fotbolldirekt.
The ex-Fulham and FC Cologne midfielder was seeking a return to AIK Solna in Sweden, but things did not go as planned and he has accepted a one-year offer from the NASL side.
"Yes, I’m happy to be playing football again. It was a little different from clubs who showed interest, but I believe in this club’s projects," the 32-year-old told Fotbolldirekt.
Boateng's last club was Spanish side Eibar where he played two seasons ago.
Rayo will be Boateng's 11th professional club since leaving Ghanaian side Liberty Professionals in 1999 to sign for Greek side Kalamata F.C.