African players secured blockbuster moves to top European clubs before the transfer window closed on Monday night. From Nicolas Jackson to Yoane Wissa to Victor Boniface and Samuel Chukwueze, we spotlight these transfer deadline day 2025 transfers.
YOANE WISSA TO NEWCASTLE UNITED
Following a protracted transfer saga between Brentford FC and Newcastle United, Yoane Wissa completed a deadline-day move to the Magpies for a reported £55 million fee. The 29-year-old signed a four-year contract with Newcastle.
The deal was finalised on Deadline Day with 30 seconds to spare. He is touted as a replacement for Alexander Isak, who departed for Liverpool in a British transfer record deal.
In a statement on the club’s official website, Yoane said: “I’m really happy to be here and to sign for one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League.
“I’m very, very excited to put on the black and white shirt. I’ve got dreams, I’ve got faith, and now I will do my best to make it all happen. I can’t wait to get started.”
The Congolese forward formed a formidable partnership with Bryan Mbeumo at the heart of Brentford’s attack last season in the wake of Ivan Toney’s departure. He registered a career best 19 goals and 4 assists across 35 Premier League appearances in the 2024/2025 season.
He is the most expensive Congolese footballer in history.
NICOLAS JACKSON TO BAYERN MUNICH
Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson has joined Bundesliga Champions Bayern Munich from World Champions Chelsea FC on an initial loan deal, for a reported £15m loan fee, and a £56m obligation to sign him permanently next summer.
The 24-year-old has agreed personal terms for a five-year permanent contract at the end of his loan spell in summer 2026. The move was in jeopardy and on the verge of collapse following an injury to Liam Delap, but ultimately, all parties came to an amicable resolution. The striker joined Chelsea from Villarreal CF in 2023, notching 30 goals across 81 appearances, clinching winners’ medals in the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup.
He expressed his intense excitement at the move in a statement:
“I’m really happy to now be part of this great club. Bayern is one of the best clubs in the world. Everyone knows the names of the legends who’ve played here and knows that this club stands for the greatest success. I’ve got big goals and dreams here and will give my all to help Bayern win further titles.”
The versatile striker is expected to deputise for Harry Kane and provide cover on the wings. His sale has raked in a massive amount of profit for The Blues.
SAMUEL CHUKWUEZE TO FULHAM FC
Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze completed a loan move to Fulham FC from Italian Club AC Milan, with an option to make the transfer permanent next summer.
The 26-year-old winger experienced a difficult two-year spell at the San Siro, struggling to replicate his Villarreal form consistently and scoring just four Serie A goals across 51 appearances. He clinched the Supercoppa Italiana with Milan in the 2024/2025 season and is part of a mass summer exodus at the Italian Club.
Chukwueze expressed his delight in a statement to Fulham’s official channel:
“I’m so happy to be here. I have some friends here, and this is a fantastic club. I already feel at home, and I can’t wait to get started. Playing in the Premier League is a dream for every player,” he said.
“Have I spoken to Coach Marco Silva? Yes, he called me and convinced me to come here with his words. He’s an excellent coach with a style that suits me.”
Chukwueze will wear the Number 19 shirt and joins compatriots Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey at the West London club.
VICTOR BONIFACE TO WERDER BREMEN
Nigerian striker Victor Boniface joined Bundesliga Club Werder Bremen from Bayer Leverkusen on deadline day. The 24-year-old striker joins Leverkusen’s Bundesliga rivals on a season-long loan deal with an option to make the deal permanent.
Boniface joined Leverkusen from Belgian Side Union Saint Gilloise and led the German Club to a historic unbeaten maiden Bundesliga and DFB Pokal title-winning campaign in his debut 2023/2024 season.
The 2022/2023 UEFA Europa League top scorer scored 32 goals and registered 12 assists across 61 appearances for Die Werkself in all competitions.
He was seemingly set to move to Italian Club AC Milan earlier in the transfer window, but his proposed loan move fell apart due to medical concerns.
NAYEF AGUERD TO OLYMPIQUE MARSEILLE
Moroccan defender Nayef Aguerd has completed a move to Olympique Marseille from West Ham United on a permanent deal for a reported £20million fee. The Moroccan centre back penned a five-year deal with Les Olympians.
The 29-year-old had a mixed stint with the Hammers, leading them to the 2023 Europa Conference League title, the club’s first European title in 48 years. Aguerd spent the 2024/25 season on loan with Spanish club Real Sociedad.
After a brief spell in England, the Mohammed VI Academy graduate returns to familiar territories in the French top flight. He previously donned the colours of Dijon FCO and Stade Rennes in Ligue 1. A brilliant signing for Marseille in all ramifications, he brings a plethora of experience and skills that have been honed to perfection.
CHRISTANTUS UCHE TO CRYSTAL PALACE
Talented Nigerian midfielder Christantus Uche has joined Crystal Palace from Getafe on a season-long loan deal, with an obligation to buy. He is expected to join the club on a permanent basis upon the expiration of his loan spell.
The Nigerian attacker was seemingly headed for Wolverhampton Wanderers before the deal fell apart and they opted to sign his compatriot Tolu Arokodare instead.
Uche revealed his satisfaction with the move: “This moment is unbelievable. I’m very lucky to be here today, and this club is a big opportunity for me.”
Boasting a big bag of talent, technical skills, flair, creativity, and versatility, the young Nigerian is an exciting signing with insane potential for Palace. La Liga’s financial rules forced Getafe to sanction a sale for the Nigerian begrudgingly.
He is Crystal Palace’s fifth summer signing, joining Walter Benitez, Borna Sosa, Yeremy Pino, and Jaydee Canvot at Selhurst Park.
BILAL EL KHANNOUSS TO VfB STUTTGART
Moroccan winger Bilal El Khannouss has signed for VfB Stuttgart on an initial season-long loan deal, with an obligation to buy. The winger departs Leicester following a single season with the EFL Championship Club.
Signed from KRC Genk in 2024, he made 39 appearances and scored 3 goals as they were relegated to the Championship at the end of the 2024/2025 season.
The 21-year-old is technically brilliant, versatile, and excellent at wriggling his way out of tight spaces, and will hope to use those abilities to prosper in the Bundesliga!
