Rising Stars and Global Icons: 10 Major African Football Transfers in Summer 2026

ere are 10 African players who made transfer moves away from their clubs in the 2026 window ahead of a new season of club football.

The 2026 summer transfer window has delivered several major moves involving African players, with some of the continent’s biggest stars beginning new chapters ahead of the 26/27 season.

From Mohamed Salah‘s surprise move to Turkey to Real Madrid‘s blockbuster signing of Ivorian youngster Yan Diomande, African players have been at the centre of some of the most eye-catching deals of the window.

Here are 10 notable transfers involving African footballers this summer:

1. Yan Diomande — RB Leipzig to Real Madrid

One of the biggest moves involving an African player this summer is Yan Diomande’s transfer to Real Madrid.

The 19-year-old Ivorian winger has completed a blockbuster move from RB Leipzig to the Spanish giants after impressing in the Bundesliga.

• Transfer: RB Leipzig → Real Madrid
• Type: Permanent transfer
• Reported fee: €115 million–€140 million
• Nationality: Ivorian
• Age: 19
• Position: Winger

2. Mohamed Salah — Liverpool to Trabzonspor

Mohamed Salah has brought his nine-year Liverpool career to an end after joining Turkish side Trabzonspor on a free transfer.

The Egyptian superstar has signed a two-year deal with the club after an extraordinary spell at Anfield.

• Transfer: Liverpool → Trabzonspor
• Type: Free transfer
• Contract: Two years
• Nationality: Egyptian
• Previous club: Liverpool
• Key detail: Salah spent nine seasons with Liverpool.

3. Ismael Saibari — PSV Eindhoven to Bayern Munich

Moroccan international Ismael Saibari has earned a move to German champions Bayern Munich after leaving PSV Eindhoven.

The midfielder is expected to strengthen Bayern’s attacking options ahead of the new campaign.

• Transfer: PSV Eindhoven → Bayern Munich
• Type: Permanent transfer
• Fee: €55 million
• Nationality: Moroccan
• Position: Attacking midfielder

4. Zadok Yohanna — AIK to Brighton

At just 18, Nigerian winger Zadok Yohanna has completed one of the most expensive moves involving an African teenager this summer.

Brighton secured his services from Swedish club AIK despite reported interest from Chelsea and Newcastle.

• Transfer: AIK → Brighton & Hove Albion
• Type: Permanent transfer
• Fee: Approximately £21.5 million
• Nationality: Nigerian
• Age: 18
• Position: Winger

5. Tolu Arokodare — Wolves to Ajax

Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare will continue his career in the Netherlands after joining Ajax on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

• Transfer: Wolves → Ajax
• Type: Season-long loan
• Buy option: Included
• Nationality: Nigerian
• Age: 25
• Contract: 2026/27 season

6. Raphael Onyedika — Club Brugge to Eintracht Frankfurt

Raphael Onyedika has made the switch from Belgian champions Club Brugge to Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt.

The Nigerian midfielder is expected to play an important role in Frankfurt’s midfield during the 2026/27 campaign.

• Transfer: Club Brugge → Eintracht Frankfurt
• Type: Permanent transfer
• Nationality: Nigerian
• Position: Defensive midfielder

7. Gift Orban — Hoffenheim to Amedspor

Gift Orban has left Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim for Turkish club Amedspor.

The Nigerian striker joins on loan with an obligation to buy included in the agreement.

• Transfer: Hoffenheim → Amedspor
• Type: Season-long loan
• Buy clause: Obligation to buy
• Nationality: Nigerian
• Position: Striker

8. Kelechi Iheanacho — Celtic to Bursaspor

Kelechi Iheanacho has moved to Turkey after leaving Celtic at the end of his contract.

The Super Eagles forward scored nine goals and helped Celtic win a domestic double during the 2025/26 season.

• Transfer: Celtic → Bursaspor
• Type: Free transfer
• Nationality: Nigerian
• Previous club: Celtic
• Key detail: Scored nine goals during the 2025/26 season.

9. Frank Onyeka — Brentford to Coventry City

Nigerian international Frank Onyeka has completed a permanent move from Brentford to Championship side Coventry City.

• Transfer: Brentford → Coventry City
• Type: Permanent transfer
• Nationality: Nigerian
• Position: Central midfielder
• Key detail: Onyeka will continue his career in the English Championship.

10. Hamed Traorè — Bournemouth to Marseille

Ivorian midfielder Hamed Traorè has completed a permanent move to Ligue 1 side Marseille.

• Transfer: Bournemouth → Marseille
• Type: Permanent transfer
• Fee: Approximately £6.5 million
• Nationality: Ivorian
• Position: Midfielder