The Premier League returns on Friday, with defending champions Liverpool opening their campaign at home to Bournemouth. Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah leads the charge once again, but he is not the only African talent expected to shine.
With over 50 African players in the league, many of whom are expected to feature prominently before the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in December, Afrosport highlights six stars from the continent likely to make a real impact in the English top flight this season.
1. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, Egypt)
Salah is still at the top of his game. After finishing last season as the Premier League’s top scorer (29 goals) and assists leader (18), the Egyptian remains Liverpool’s most important player. Even with the arrival of new attacking options in Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, Salah’s movement, leadership, and ability to deliver in big moments make him vital. With a fifth Golden Boot in his sights, expect Salah to drive Liverpool forward once again.
2. Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United, Cameroon)
After a breakout 20-goal season with Brentford, Mbeumo has joined Manchester United in a big-money £71 million move. He brings pace, strength, and excellent ball-carrying ability, and can play across the frontline. United need fresh energy and goals, and Mbeumo has the hunger and skill to provide both. His physical style and versatility could be the spark United’s rebuild needs.
3. Mohammed Kudus (West Ham United, Ghana)
Kudus is a dynamic, fearless attacker who showed flashes of brilliance last season at West Ham United. His dribbling, intelligence, and ability to score from midfield makes him a major threat. With a strong shot conversion rate last season (10.17%), he is efficient in front of goal. In a Tottenham team that plays on the break, Kudus is perfectly suited to shine, especially if given more freedom to roam forward.
4. Rayan Ait-Nouri (Manchester City, Algeria)
At Wolves, Ait-Nouri proved he’s more than just a defender, scoring four goals and providing seven assists. Now under Pep Guardiola at City, he will have more of the ball and more chances to influence play from wide areas. His speed, dribbling, and attacking mindset could turn him into one of the league’s best full-backs if he adapts well to City’s system.
5. Habib Diarra (Sunderland, Senegal)
Diarra arrives with a growing reputation and a club-record price tag of £30 million. At just 21, he was key in Strasbourg’s push to Europe last season. His ability to control midfield with power, passing, and energy makes him a complete modern midfielder. With Sunderland back in the top flight after eight years, Diarra will likely become the heartbeat of their team and a standout presence in their survival fight.
6. Simon Adingra (Sunderland, Ivory Coast)
After gaining valuable Premier League experience with Brighton & Hove Albion (60 appearances across three seasons, scoring eight goals and providing three assists), Adingra now joins Sunderland with the chance to play a bigger role. The Ivorian winger is known for his speed, directness, and ability to take on defenders. If he finds consistency, his explosiveness could give the Black Cats the attacking edge they need in tight games.
