The summer 2025 transfer window has been a pivotal period for African soccer talent, with players from all across the continent making strategic moves between European clubs at record fees. Today, we will focus solely on these high-profile deals, breaking down the most expensive but important transfers of african players for this summer. Stay with us as we reveal who the soccer players are that are not just names on the bench, but have a significant role in shaping Europe biggest teams.
Evann Guessand to Aston Villa – €30 M
With Ollie Watkins being the only prolific forward in the Aston Villa front line, the club needed another recognised striker to reshape its attacking strategy and fill a tactical gap. Ivorian forward Evann Guessand was a perfect example of an agile and versatile candidate who could fill the gap and present a fresh set of attacking options.
After a strong (and his best yet) season in the French Ligue 1, which included 12 goals in 32 appearances, Evan Guessand officially signed the contract at Villa Park. The deal was completed on August 8, 2025, with a reported fee of 30 million euros, placing Guessand high on the list of the most expensive African soccer players.
Habib Diarra to Sunderland – €31.5 M
Freshly promoted to the Premier League, Sunderland demonstrated that it had come to the elite division to stay. This is why acquiring the 21-year-old Senegalese midfielder Habib Diarra from the French Strasbourg is so important for the club. The fee of 31.5 million euros is record-breaking for the club, but it shows the club’s clear intentions to become the Premier League mainstay, especially after the departure of the talented Jobe Bellingham (Jude Bellingham’s brother).
Diarra is part of Sunderland’s 165 million plan to not only survive but establish a place in one of the most competitive leagues in the world. Known for its energy and ball-winning skills, Habib Diarra may have exactly the skills a newly promoted team would need.
Rayan Ait-Nouri to Manchester City – €36.3 M
Manchester City secured the Algerian left-back’s signature from Wolverhampton Wanderers for an initial fee of 36.3 million euros, which could reach up to 42 million euros with add-ons. The transfer, which was announced on June 9, 2025, was one of City’s earliest moves of this transfer window.
The 24-year-old Algerian national was a significant attacking threat from his wing-back position, with four goals and seven assists in 37 Premier League appearances. What’s interesting about this move is that this is the first left-back City has acquired since 2019. However, the club has aspirations to take part in the new, expanded FIFA Club World Cup, which means the club is actively preparing for an increased demand and wants each position to be secured by a top-talent player.
Dango Ouattara to Brentford – €50.6 M
Another club-record deal is the transfer of the Burkina Faso national Dango Ouattara from AFC Bourhnemut to Brentford. The 23-year-old winger who scored nine goals in all competitions last season is viewed as a direct replacement for Bryan Mbeumo.
It is known that Brentford manager Keith Andrews wanted someone just as versatile and experienced to substitute the departed Mbeumo. Having secured a record fee from selling the team, Brentford immediately reinvested a huge portion of the capital in a younger and high-potential player.
Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham Hotspur – €63.8 M
Are you ready for another record? After the Ghanaian winger Mohammed Kudus joined Tottenham Hotspur from West Ham United for a fee of 63.8 million euros, he became the most expensive soccer player in Ghana’s history. The transfer was mainly driven by Kudus’ desire to play in the Champions League and work with the new Spurs coach, Thomas Frank.
While Kudus is widely regarded as a key figure at West Ham, the transfer is not because of his brilliant performance, as you might think. The attacker struggled last season and only managed to score four goals in all competitions. There was also a conflict between him and the club’s manager, Julen Lopetegui.
Despite his firm stance, Spurs believe in Mohhamed Kudus’ underlying talent and consider him a valuable asset. West Ham’s decision to sell Kudus is based on financial difficulties – the club needs to raise funds to meet profitability and sustainability regulations, which are huge in the Premier League. They are designed to ensure fair play compliance in transfer market decisions.
Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United – €75 M
One of the most expensive transfers involving an African player this summer saw Cameroonian forward Bryan Mbuemo move from Brentford to Manchester United. The deal was confirmed on July 21, 2025, with an initial fee of 75 million euros, with a potential to rise up to 82 million euros with performance-related add-ons. This also marked Brentford’s biggest-ever sale, surpassing all previous club records.
Mbuemo’s transfer was a strategic move by the Red Devils to address an obvious issue from the previous season – the lack of goals. The 25-year-old’s performance in the last campaign made him a top target, as he scored 27 goals and assists combined across all 38 games. With such a number, he finished as the joint fourth leading scorer in the league, with only Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, and Erling Haaland netting more.
Beyond his goal contributions, he is also ranked fourth for speed, reaching almost 37 km/h. With such versatility, speed, and ball control skills, he is a perfect fit for the new manager of United – Ruben Amorim.
Victor Osimhen to Galatasaray – €75 M
Nigerian Superstar Victor Osimhen completes his permanent transfer to Galatasaray, and this is one of the summer’s headlines in African soccer. The deal finalised on 31 July 2025 was for another ground-breaking fee of 75 million euros. After a prolific loan session in Istanbul, Galatasaray paid a club-record transfer fee to secure the four-year deal.
Osimhnen’s performance during his temporary stay in Turkey was extraordinary, to say the least. He scored 37 goals and provided eight assists in 41 appearances across all competitions. He also played a decisive role in securing Galatasaray’s 25th Süper Lig title. This performance cemented his status as a fan favourite and gave the club the confidence to make this historic investment.
Ademola Lookman Transfer Saga
We cannot wrap it up without saying a word about one failed deal that marked the summer 2025 transfer window. The Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman’s transfer saga spanned almost five weeks. While Inter had a strong interest in the African player of the Year and made two offers for him – a first bid of 40 million euros and a second offer of another 5 million – both bids were rejected by Atalanta, which had a firm stance on not selling Lookman to another Italian club.
This caused frustration for Lookman, who accused the club of breaking promises and even went on a two-week strike in an attempt to force the transfer to happen.
This controversial deal ultimately collapsed on August 18, when Inter withdrew its interest. The club stated that after a re-evaluation of their priorities, they decided that signing a forward was no longer a need, and the club will shift its focus to reinforcing the midfield. The club’s management is now weighing potential disciplinary measures against the player for his unauthorised absence.
