African footballers have continued to make impact in European football, with many earning big moves and lucrative contracts due to their performances at the highest level.
However, several stars are now approaching the end of their current deals and could leave their current clubs either in search of a fresh challenge or for more lucrative offers.
With the summer transfer window fast approaching, clubs across Europe will be monitoring free agents closely. Here are five African players who will be free to join a new club of their choice this summer.
Yves Bissouma (Tottenham Hotspur)
Mali captain Yves Bissouma will become a free agent when his contract expires at Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur in the summer. The 29-year-old joined Spurs in 2022 from Brighton and Hove Albion and was keen on an exit during the winter transfer window, although his proposed move to Galatasaray fell off.
Bissouma has only managed just five league appearances this season after being sidelined by disciplinary issues and injuries, before later representing Mali at the 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament. While it is unlikely that his contract will be renewed, Bissouma will not be short of options in the summer.
Thomas Partey (Villarreal)
Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey is set to leave Villarreal after just one season at the club. The experienced midfielder returned to Spain after leaving Arsenal last summer and signed a one-year deal at the Yellow Submarines.
Partey has made 15 appearances in the La Liga this season, starting seven times, but injuries and off-field distractions have limited his impact and he is expected to move on in the summer.
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Kelechi Iheanacho (Celtic)
Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho could part ways with Scottish champions Celtic in the summer when his deal expires. ‘Seniorman’ joined the Bhoys last summer on a one-year deal, with the club holding the option to extend for an additional year.
Iheanacho made a bright start to his career in Scotland, including scoring on his debut, but has since struggled with injuries. He has been limited to just five league appearances, while his last start came in December and he will need to prove his fitness and quality if he is to earn an extension.
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Krepin Diatta (AS Monaco)
Senegalese winger Krépin Diatta is also approaching the end of his contract, with his deal at AS Monaco set to expire this summer. The AFCON winner joined the French side from Club Brugge in January 2021 and has enjoyed a productive spell with the club.
Despite his contributions over the past five years, there have been no talks over a contract extension, leaving his future uncertain heading towards the end of the season.
Chancel Mbemba (Lille)
DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba completes the list. The 31-year-old defender joined Lille last summer on a one-year deal and is expected to leave when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Mbemba would add experience and leadership to any club he joins and he would not be short of suitors during the summer.
