The 2026 summer transfer window will open at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, giving clubs the opportunities to strengthen their squad ahead of the upcoming campaign as they compete for major honours.
African footballers are once again expected to be at the centre of transfer headlines as in recent windows. While some are likely to move for significant transfer fees, others will move away from their current clubs as free agent , having opted against contract extensions.
This article takes a look at the five most valuable African footballers that will become free agents in the summer.
Yves Bissouma (€15 million)
At an estimated market value of €15 million, Mali captain Yves Bissouma ranks as the most valuable African free agent in the summer. The 29-year-old joined Tottenham Hotspur from Brighton and Hove Albion in 2022, but is expected to leave once his contract runs out at the end of the season.
The former Lille midfielder was close to an exit during the winter transfer window, although the proposed move to Galatasaray broke down over differences in valuation by both clubs.
However, the Turkish champions are expected to come back with another offer to sign the experience midfielder, this time for free in the summer.
Five African players who will become free agents in the summer
Souffian El Karouani (€15 million)
Moroccan defender Souffian El Karouani also has a market value of about €15 million and is ranked joint-top alongside Bissouma on this list.
The 25-year-old currently plies his trade with Utrecht in the Dutch Eredivisie after joining them in 2023, but is widely expected to leave the club after refusing to sign an extension.
French club Olympique Marseille made an approach to sign him in January, while he is also of interest to the likes of Dinamo Zagreb and Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah.
Franck Kessie (€12 million)
Ivory Coast midfielder Franck Kessie is eyeing a potential return to Europe in the summer after the expiration of his contract at Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.
The former AC Milan midfielder made the switch to the Middle East in 2023 and after a successful stint, could return to Europe at the end of the season.
Kessie’s market value is around €12 million, although he must be willing to take a significant pay cut if he decides to leave Saudi Arabia.
Top five African players who made the switch from Europe to Asia
Bilal Nadir (€9 million)
Morocco U-23 international Bilal Nadir also makes this list with an estimated market value of around €9 million. The young midfielder began his senior career at Olympique Marseille, but could leave the club once his contract expires at the end of the campaign after failing to reach an agreement over an extension.
Nadir has made over 35 appearances for the French side since making his debut in 2023 and would not be short of options if he decides to leave the club.
Arthur Avom (€9 million)
Cameroon midfielder Arthur Avom completes this list with his market value estimated to be around €9 million.
The 21-year-old midfielder, who plays for Lorient in the French League, has drawn interest from multiple European heavyweights including Chelsea and Aston Villa and is widely expected to leave France for a new challenge in the summer.
