The 2026 summer transfer window opened in June and closed in most parts of Europe just over a week ago, with several players making moves to new clubs in search of fresh challenges and better opportunities.
African footballers were also heavily involved in the transfer activity, with several players completing moves that attracted significant transfer fees.
Here are the five most expensive African players who completed transfers during the 2026 summer window.
Yan Diomande (€140 million)
Ivorian youngster Yan Diomande became the most expensive African footballer in history over the course of the summer after completing a move from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig to Spanish side Real Madrid in a deal that could reach €140 million plus add-ons.
The 19-year-old enjoyed a stunning debut campaign last season which earned him the high profile move, with Real Madrid seeing off competition from Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool to sign the exciting African talent to their star-studded attack which also includes the duo of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.
Big money, big pressure: African players who must deliver at their new clubs
Ayyoub Bouaddi (€95 million)
Moroccan young midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi follows Diomande on this list following his €95 million move from Lille to Manchester City over the summer.
The 18-year-old enjoyed a good season with the French club during the 2025-26 season, which already put him on the radar of several of Europe’s elite clubs.
However, a superb performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup increased his stock, before he completed a staggering move to the Premier League. Bouaddi has already settled into life at the Etihad Stadium with a couple of impressive displays in his first few outings for his new club.
Diomande and the four other biggest African transfers in 2026 summer window
Carlos Baleba (€75.9 million)
Cameroonian midfielder Carlos Baleba is next on the list after his remarkable €75.9 million transfer from Brighton & Hove Albion to Manchester United in the summer.
The 22-year-old had long been linked with a move to the Old Trafford Stadium, including last summer, although both clubs could not reach an agreement on a transfer fee.
However, he completed a move worth up to €75.9 million to the club this summer and has been given the number 20 shirt. He is yet to make his debut for the club as he is still recovering from injury, although he will be hoping to make the same impact he had during his time at the Seagulls.
Manchester United seal move for Carlos Baleba: £70m + wages – Transfer breakdown
Iliman Ndiaye (€70 million)
Senegalese winger Iliman Ndiaye completed a surprise move to former Premier League champions Manchester City during the summer in a deal worth around €70 million from fellow English club Everton.
The 26-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal over the course of the summer, before Man City made a late swoop and convinced Everton to sanction a transfer on deadline day.
He has already featured twice for Enzo Maresca’s side and will be hoping to open his account for the club in the Manchester derby this weekend.
Manchester City’s deal for Iliman Ndiaye: £65m fee + wages – Transfer breakdown
Nicolas Jackson (€55.5 million)
Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson completes this list following his move from Chelsea to Aston Villa in a deal worth around €55.5 million and could reach €76 million if all add-ons clauses are reached.
The 25-year-old had spent the last season on loan at Bayern Munich, winning the Bundesliga and German Cup double.
However, they opted against signing him permanently, and he has now moved to Villa Park, where he will replace England international Ollie Watkins, who left the club to join Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal during the summer as well.
