The 2024 summer transfer window was full of surprises, especially for African football fans as several high-profile moves reshaped the careers of some of the continent’s brightest stars. From Victor Osimhen’s unexpected loan to Galatasaray to Nicolas Pépé’s fresh start in La Liga, this window offered plenty of drama and intrigue. In this article, we explore the top 15 African football transfers of 2024.
Osimhen to Galatasaray:
The Victor Osimhen transfer saga finally came to an end last week, at least for now. For a while, it seemed the Nigerian striker was destined for PSG. Kylian Mbappe’s departure to Spain and Gonçalo Ramos’ injury seemed like signs from the divine realm sanctioning his move to France. However, fate had other plans. The striker was seemingly had limited offers, with only Chelsea FC and Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli showing concrete interest in the towering striker. Both moves fell through before the European transfer window closed, prompting Napoli to withdraw his shirt number and ban him from the first team.
It appeared he would be frozen out of first-team action for six months, but the saga wasn’t over. The closure of the European transfer window allowed Turkish club Galatasaray to sensationally swoop in for the forward.
All parties agreed on a season-long loan deal with a break clause in the January transfer window. A bittersweet ending!
Noussair Mazraoui to Manchester United:
The Moroccan full-back had a mixed stint with Bayern Munich, plagued by injuries. He seized the chance to reunite with his former Ajax coach, Erik ten Hag, at Manchester United. After lengthy negotiations, Manchester United and Bayern Munich agreed on a reported €20m fee, with the defender signing a five-year contract. Mazraoui is already making his mark with the Red Devils, assisting Amad Diallo in his second league game.
Yankuba Minteh to Brighton:
The electric Gambian winger joined Brighton from Newcastle United for a reported £25m fee on a five-year contract. Minteh has already shown glimpses of why he was in high demand over the summer, providing an assist for Kaoru Mitoma in his league debut for the Seagulls. Newcastle United might rue his sale if he fulfills his potential in the Premier League.
Nicolas Pépé to Villarreal:
The former Arsenal player had an underwhelming spell in the EPL after joining for a club-record fee in 2019. His contract was mutually terminated in 2023 after a loan spell with Ligue 1 side Nice, ending his traumatic four-year stay with Arsenal. He then signed a one-year contract with Turkish club Trabzonspor but chose not to renew it after a mixed spell.
Subsequently, the Ivorian winger joined Villarreal FC on a free transfer this summer. Hopefully, the AFCON 2023 winner can rediscover his top form in the Spanish league.
Sekou Kone to Manchester United:
In one of the surprise moves of the summer, Malian youngster Sekou Kone secured a sensational transfer to Manchester United from Malian Club Guidars FC. Several European clubs were vying for his signature following his performances for Mali in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, but United pulled ahead and secured his signature.
He’ll link up with the academy team as he adjusts to life in England. The young midfielder has been included in United’s Premier League squad this season and might make his senior debut. One to watch!
Ismaila Sarr to Crystal Palace:
Once heralded and earmarked as Sadio Mane’s potential successor at Liverpool, Sarr has struggled to live up to that expectation. He moved to Marseille from Watford following their failure to secure promotion to the EPL in 2023. After a lackluster year in the French league, he made a surprise return to England, joining Crystal Palace for a reported £11m fee on a five-year contract. The 26-year-old has his work cut out for him and it remains to be seen if he’ll still come good of his potential in the English league. Perhaps he could come close to or match the heroics of the legendary Sadio Mane.
Mikayil Faye to Stade Rennais:
The young Senegalese defender joined Barcelona from Croatian side NK Kustošija in 2023, linking up with Barcelona Athletic. Although he impressed consistently, it wasn’t enough for him to make a senior team debut with Barca. However, his performances earned him a call-up to the Senegal senior team, where he famously scored a spectacular goal 44 minutes into his debut in a friendly match against Gabon. A failed clearance fell to him in the opposition half, he controlled the ball, took aim and just let it fly, sending it into the net. An absolute peach of a goal!
It seemed the youngster was going to end up at Porto in the summer in search of first team opportunities, but the subsequent failure of Barcelona to come to an agreement with the Portuguese giants allowed other clubs to swoop in for his signature. Lille, Rennes and PSV Eindhoven all went toe to toe for his signature with Rennes ultimately securing the youngster’s signature.
FC Barcelona included a buy back clause in the contract as well as a sell-on clause. A promising move for the defender as he takes his first steps into professional football.
Lamine Camara to AS Monaco:
The arrival of Lamine Camara signified the exit of another Camara, Mohammed Camara at AS Monaco. The talented Senegalese midfielder joined Monaco from Metz for a reported €13m fee plus €2m in add-ons on a five-year contract. His stunning goal from his own half for Metz against Monaco is still fondly remembered by Metz’ and Monaco fans alike. An excellent move for the young star following Metz’ relegation to Ligue 2.
The 2023 African Young Player of the Year has already scored his first goal for Monaco in their second league match against Olympique Lyonnais.
Serhou Guirassy to Borussia Dortmund:
The Guinean striker was in hot demand after his record-breaking exploits with Stuttgart FC last season, helping them secure a UCL qualification spot. Borussia Dortmund acted quickly to sign him on a permanent deal. An unfortunate injury ruled him out of Dortmund’s first two league matches.
He has been handed the no. 9 jersey, and it remains to be seen if he’ll match the heroics of Erling Haaland and Robert Lewandowski in Borussia colors.
Hannibal Mejbri to Burnley:
The Tunisian midfielder bid farewell to Manchester United after five years. He excelled in United’s academy but struggled to secure a spot in the senior squad, leading to loan spells at Birmingham City and Sevilla FC. United agreed to a permanent sale to relegated EPL side Burnley FC, with Mejbri signing a four-year deal.
It’s an excellent move, providing ample opportunities for his development at Burnley. He is already a regular for the Tunisian national team.
Chidera Ejuke and Kelechi Iheanacho to Sevilla FC:
Sevilla FC acquired two Nigerian forwards on free transfers. Chidera Ejuke arrived early in the transfer window on a three-year deal following his contract expiration with CSKA Moscow.
Surprisingly, Kelechi ‘SeniorMan’ Iheanacho joined weeks later, also opting against renewing his contract at Leicester City, signing a two-year deal with Sevilla.
Both players are the first Nigerians to represent Sevilla FC and have a chance to make their mark.
Chadi Riad to Crystal Palace:
Moroccan center-back Chadi Riad joined Crystal Palace on a five-year deal from Real Betis for a reported £14m fee. At just 20, the defender has already donned the colors of Barcelona and Real Betis. His desire for first-team opportunities led to a season-long loan to Betis with a mandatory buy clause. His performances caught the eye of Crystal Palace scouts, leading to his move. Riad also made his debut for the Moroccan national team during his time with Betis. Unfortunately, he suffered an injury on his PL debut, ruling him out for 8-12 weeks.
Iliman Ndiaye to Everton FC:
The talented Senegalese forward joined Everton FC on a five-year deal. He previously returned to boyhood club Olympique Marseille last season after helping Sheffield United gain promotion to the EPL, recording 14 goals and 11 assists in 46 EFL Championship matches. He failed to make a profound impact in Ligue 1 and opted to return to England when Everton came calling.
Blessed with pace, artistic footwork and an ability to evade opponents with relative ease, he can operate as a winger, striker or a number 10. Much is expected of him in Merseyside as Everton fans look to him to help transform the club’s fortunes. They will be hoping he can add more spectacular goals to his catalogue of mesmerizing solo goals.
Ibrahim Osman to Brighton:
Ghanaian teenage sensation Ibrahim Osman moved to Brighton for a reported £16m fee from FC Nordsjaelland after 18months at the Danish club. He recorded ten goals and eight assists in his only full season at the club, highlighting his massive potential.
A graduate of the Right to Dream Academy, Osman’s dribbling skills and pace caught Brighton’s eye and they didn’t hesitate to splash the cash on him. He was subsequently loaned to Feyenoord FC for the 2024/2025 season to gain more experience.
Abdul Fatawu to Leicester City:
Ghanaian winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku completed a permanent move to newly promoted Premier League side Leicester City on a five-year deal for a reported £17m fee. He spent the 2023-2024 season on loan at Leicester from Sporting CP, impressing enough to earn the Men’s Young player of the season award and a permanent move to Leicester City, as well as the no. 7 jersey.
The young winger is off to a promising start in the EPL, providing an assist for Jamie Vardy in their opening draw against Tottenham Hotspur. He is one of Ghana’s brightest prospects.
