With the 2023 summer transfer window opened. transfer activities are dominating the headlines with many football stars expected to change clubs and leagues.
The transfer market is always an exciting and dynamic part of the football world, and Afrosport analyses African stars who could move away from their present clubs for greener pastures.
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
The Nigerian forward is primed for a big money move from Italian champions Napoli after an extraordinary season that helped the Partenopei secure their first Serie A title in over 30 years and he also became the first African to win the Golden Boot.
The 24-year-old has a big decision to make this summer, as offers are expected from big spenders in England, Spain, France, and Germany.
Osimhen is being touted by the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich. However, Napoli has reportedly stamped a whopping €180 million on the Nigerian, and many believe his transfer would be one of the biggest of the window.
Andre Onana (Cameroon)
The winner of the 2022–23 UEFA Champions League Golden Glove, Onana is another African star to watch out for in this transfer window.
The Cameroonian, who moved to Inter Milan last summer, was spectacular for the Nerazzurri last season, winning two titles and ending as runner-up in the Champions League.
Onana is reportedly wanted by Manchester United, who are in need of a replacement in their goalkeeping department as David De Gea is yet to sign a contract extension.
Likewise, Premier League big spenders Chelsea are also in the running for the goalkeeper as they continue their squad revamp.
Thomas Partey (Ghana)
Black Stars midfield general Partey is another player in the ranks at Arsenal who is expected to depart this summer.
The former Atletico Madrid star was an ever-present in Mikel Arteta’s team in the just-concluded season, but reports have it that he is close to leaving the Emirates Stadium.
Partey is reportedly wanted by Italian giants Juventus as a reinforcement in the middle. Also, three Saudi-based clubs are said to be jostling for his signature.
Eric Bailly (Ivory Coast)
Bailly spent 2022-23 season on loan at French side Marseille from Manchester United, but the Ivorian is set for a return to England.
However, the 29-year-old is expected to depart the Red Devils on a permanent deal, as Erik Ten Hag has reportedly included him on the transfer list.
Mohamed Salisu (Ghana)
Ghana defender Salisu is regarded as one of the finest African defenders in world football over the last few years.
The 24-year-old was relegated with Southampton in the Premier League and is another star that is primed for a move this summer.
Salisu is reportedly wanted by clubs in the English top-flight, with a return to Spain also on the cards.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon)
The captain of the Gabon national team, Aubameyang, has been a constant figure in the transfer window over the last two years.
The Chelsea forward fell out of favour under the three managers at the club this season, and many expect him to be on the move again, with major interest from Saudi Arabia and a possible return to Barcelona also on the books.
Nicolas Pepe (Ivory Coast) The Ivorian forward spent the 2022–23 season in France with Nice on loan from Arsenal after falling down the pecking order at the Emirates.
Although he is set to return to Mikel Arteta’s side, Pepe has been deemed surplus to requirements and is expected to find a move away from the Gunners. The 28-year-old, however, is expected to make a move back to Ligue 1.
Patson Daka (Zambia)
Like Salisu and Southampton, Daka suffered relegation from the Premier League with Leicester City.
The 24-year-old forward did not enjoy a good goalscoring season last campaign and requested a move from King Power Stadium at some point in the winter window.
With the Africa Cup of Nations coming up in early January, the Zambian international will desire more playing time in club football and is expected to make a move away from Leicester, with Turkish side Galatasaray a likely destination.
Wilfried Zaha (Ivory Coast)
With four days remaining until the end of Zaha’s contract at Crystal Palace, the Ivorian forward is one of the hottest African players in the transfer window this summer.
The 30-year-old has spent a huge part of his career with the London club, and despite numerous rumours linking him away from Selhurst Park over the years, he has remained with them.
However, Zaha is expected to finally get his wish to move away as a free agent ahead of the new season, as he has been linked to PSG, Bayern Munich, Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr, and Al Sadd in Qatar.
