The 2026 summer transfer window opened in June and officially closed on September 1 in most major European leagues, although clubs in some countries still have a few extra days to complete their business.
Several African players secured lucrative moves during the window, joining major clubs and taking the next step in their careers with high profile transfers to new leagues.
Here are the five biggest African transfer stories from the 2026 summer transfer window.
Yan Diomande
Highly-rated youngster Yan Diomande dominated headlines this summer after completing a record breaking transfer from German side RB Leipzig to record European champions Real Madrid in a deal that could reach €140 million.
The fee ranks him as the most expensive African footballer in history and also one of the most expensive transfers completed in the history of football.
Diomande enjoyed a very impressive season at Leipzig last season and will be aiming to live up to the hefty price tag at Real Madrid this summer, competing for spots in the attack alongside the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.
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Mohamed Salah
Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah ended his remarkable nine-year stay with Liverpool at the end of last season when he announced his decision to leave despite having one more year on his previous deal.
The former Liverpool winger was eventually linked with a move to several clubs, including from the Super Lig and also from Saudi Arabia.
Despite this, he eventually joined Turkish side Trabzonspor in a deal that made him the second highest player in the league, behind Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen. Salah has since scored three goals in three appearances for the club, as he will be hoping to play a major role in their title challenge this season.
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Ayyoub Bouaddi
Moroccan sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi became a subject of intense transfer speculation following his performances for the Atlas Lions at the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament, where he played a major role in midfield.
Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City were all interested in signing him this summer before the latter sealed a sensational deal worth up to £85.6 million to sign him from French club Lille.
The 18-year-old will now be aiming to fill the huge void left by former Ballon d’Or winner Rodri at the club, after the Spaniard completed a return to the La Liga, joining Barcelona this time around.
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Iliman Ndiaye
Senegalese forward Iliman Ndiaye completed a move to Manchester City on summer transfer deadline day in a deal worth up to £65 million.
Ndiaye had been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United and Arsenal, while Liverpool were also in the picture, making him one of the most followed stories during the summer.
However, Manchester City sealed an agreement ahead of their rivals with England forward Jack Grealish also moving the opposite way. Ndiaye will be aiming to hit the ground running, beginning with his possible debut against Coventry City this weekend.
Carlos Baleba
Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba completes this list after completing a £70 million move to Manchester United last month. The Red Devils have long admired the midfielder and were keen on signing him as well last season.
However, there was a huge gulf in their valuation with Brighton and a deal did not materialize.
This time around, both teams were able to agree on a fee made up of a fixed £65 million with an additional £5 million in transfer related add-ons.
