It’s been an exciting transfer window for African players with plenty of comings and goings. With the World Cup ending, the transfer season is now in full swing with most African based players hoping their World Cup performances earn them big money moves abroad.
With less than one month for domestic seasons in Europe to kick off, Ducor Sports takes you through the latest done deals, transfer rumours and gossips involving African players making headlines.
Nordin Amrabat
Starting in Middle East, Morocco International Nordin Amrabat has penned a three-year deal with Saudi Arabian heavyweights Al Nasser.
The former Watford star was on high demand following his decent performance at the World Cup but opted to join the Saudi Arabian outfit for £7.5 million.
His versatility will be an asset for the side as he tries to re-invent himself in the Middle East.
Wahbi Khazri
On to France, Tunisian International Wahbi Khazri has moved to League 1 side Saint Etienne following a disappointing spell with Sunderland.
The Tunisian captain left Sunderland after they dropped from the Premier League for a loan move to Rennes and scored nine times in 27 appearances to help them qualify for Europe.
While on loan, Sunderland got relegated from the English Championship for the second season, making a move away from the side imminent.
He was on form in Russia scoring two goals and two assists earning himself a four-year deal to the League 1 side worth £ 6 million.
“Khazri can still improve on his return to France and the World Cup showing was just a glimpse of what he’s capable of,” St Etienne said following the player’s capture.
Percy Tau
Brighton and Hove have reportedly agreed to a deal in principle with Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Percy Tau with the deal to set to be announced this week.
The PSL Player of the year didn’t travel with the team to Togo a further indication that he is on the move. The Brazilians found themselves in a pickle after losing Khama Billiat to rivals Kaizer Chiefs on a free transfer and will have to act fast to find a much needed replacement to cover their lacking midfield.
In reaction to losing Billiat and Percy Tau, the 2016 African Champions have embarked on an impressive recruitment campaign snapping up Venezuelan forward Jose Ali Meza, Uruguayan attacker Gaston Sirino, South African central midfielder Andeile Jali and Guinea Bissau international Toni Silva.
Emmanuel Eminike.
Greek heavyweights Olympiacos have released Nigeria international Emmanuel Emenike who had been struggling to settle with The Legends.
The 31-year-old who joined from Fenerbache is now a free agent despite having a year left on his contract with Olympiacos.
After failing to find form in Greece, Emenike was sent out to Spanish minnows Las Palmas last season but didn’t play a single game in the second round of the season. On his return, he instead pushed for a new contract with a pay rise something that angered the management at Olympiacos.
The club rejected his demands because of his persistent knee injury and instead triggered a clause in his contact to cut ties with the striker.
Gael Kakuta.
Ex-Chelsea forward Gael Kakuta has re-united with newly promoted La Liga side Rayo Vallecano on a four-year deal.
The DR Congo International left Chelsea for Chinese outfit Hebei Fortune but only managed to score 2 goals in 24 appearances. He was sent on loan to league 1 side Amiens where he re-found his form helping them to a 13th place finish last season.
The 27-year-old has already teamed up with his teammates for the pre-season tour and might make his debut when they face Bristol City on July 21st.
Yves Bissouma
And finally, back in England, Brighton and Hove have completed a potential club record £18 million plus add-ons transfer deal for Lille midfielder Yves Bissouma.
The Seagulls had to fend off competition from Portuguese giants Porto for the 21-year-old who had an impressive season in League 1. He will be their sixth signing and the second African player to switch to the Premier League side after Nigeria’s Leon Balogun.
The Rumours Making Waves
Yannick Bolasie.
Everton winger Yannick Bolosie has agreed terms with Fenerbache following Marco Silva’s approval of his temporary departure.
According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, Fenerbache’s sporting director Damien Comoli has already shaken hands with Bolasie’s agent and what’s left is a matter of when he joins.
He will be joining fellow Everton forward Henry Onyekuru who also extended his loan with the Turkish giants.
Ahmed Musa
According to multiple sources, Saudi Arabia club Al Nasser are planning to splash £40 million to sign Nigeria International Ahmed Musa following his impressive World Cup performances.
The lightning fast forward sealed a move to Leicester City from Russian outfit CSKA Moscow but has been restricted to cameo appearances in Claude’s team. He has attracted interest from several European teams including Galatasaray, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Huddersfield and will have to decide if this is the right time for him to swap Europe for the Middle East.
Djene Dakonam
Reports in Spain have revealed that Sevilla and Leicester City are in a tug of war for Togolese defender Djene Dakonam.
The Getafe defender who moved to Spain last summer had an impressive campaign in his first season playing in all the games in their 2018-2019 campaign.
Sevilla are in the market for a replacement for Clement Langlet who joined Barcelona while Leicester see him as a perfect fit to support Harry Maguire. Getafe might not be ready to part with Dakonam but he has a £30 million release clause appears a bargain.
Kalidou Koulibaly
Finishing off in Italy, reports suggest that Napoli have slapped an £80 million price tag on Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
The centre-back has proved he’s one of Europe’s best defenders and Napoli have repeatedly promised their fans to do whatever it takes to keep him.
He has been on Chelsea’s radar for a while which has tempted the side to throw in David Luiz as makeweight to get the Italian lower their asking price.
Following the departure of former Napoli manager Maurizo Sari, and Jorginho to Stamford Bridge, the Partenopei are understood to be digging their heels aimed at frustrate suitors as they face battle to keep one of their most prized assets.
