The 2025/26 summer transfer window has officially closed in all leagues, with several African players completing dream moves after inspiring performances with their previous clubs.
However, a handful of African stars made the headlines with unexpected moves only few saw coming.
Nigeria’s Victor Boniface and Kelechi Iheanacho leads the list for the top five shock African transfers of the 2025/26 summer transfer window.
Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen to Werder Bremen)
Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface dominated the headlines this summer, after a proposed move to Italian side AC Milan collapsed due to a failed medical. Given his strong performances for the 2024 Bundesliga winners, the Nigerian striker looked destined for a big move away from the club.
However, he joined Werder Bremen on transfer deadline day on a season-long loan deal following failed moves to Al Nassr and AC Milan, just under a year.
Although this move provides an opportunity for a reset, it was not what was expected after a bright start to his career.
Werder Bremen unveil Victor Boniface before the transfer deadline
Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla to Celtic)
Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho moved to Sevilla just over a year ago, following the expiration of his contract Leicester City.
Despite initial promises shown in his early days, he struggled to make any meaningful impact at the club and will now be plying his trade in Scotland this season.
With no other offer available after Sevilla terminated his contract, the Super Eagles star opted for a reunion with former manager Brendan Rodgers, which was not a move many saw coming.
‘He can rise again’: George Finidi backs Iheanacho’s Celtic move
Andre Onana (Manchester United to Trabzonspor)
When Andre Onana made the big move to Manchester United from Inter Milan two years ago, many tipped him to go on and become the best goalkeeper in the league.
However, his time at the club was characterized by high profile mistakes and errors, and he also lost his spot in the team to Altay Bayindir.
Onana, will hope to rediscover his form with the move to Trabzonspor, which might lead him to another big club next summer.
Andre Onana to Trabzonspor – loan deal + £10.35m wages – Transfer breakdown
Abdoulaye Doucoure (Everton to Neom FC)
The Mali international Abdoulaye Doucoure joined the growing list of footballers to swap Europe for Asia, when he joined Neom FC in the Saudi Premier League this summer.
Doucoure had spent the past five years plying his trade in the English Premier League with Everton, after a previous stint in the league with Watford.
Gift Orban (Hoffenheim to Hellas Verona)
Gift Orban, was once a hot prospect in European football following a hugely successful spell with Gent in the Belgian league.
However, the Nigerian has failed to live up to the hype in his last two clubs, struggling at Olympique Lyon and Hoffenheim.
He joined Hellas Verona on a season-long loan this summer and will hope the switch revives his career.
Related article: Gift Orban: 3 reasons Super Eagles star will thrive at Verona
