The 2026 summer transfer window opened officially on June 15 and will close on the 31st of August in some parts of Europe, while other parts have until September to conclude all agreements as clubs aim to strengthen their squad for next season.
Several African footballers have been linked with moves away from their current clubs this summer and while some of these players have sealed new moves for a fresh beginning, others are still undecided about their future.
This article takes a look at five African footballers who could still complete moves to other clubs before the window closes.
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)
Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has once again dominated transfer headlines this summer with uncertainty over his long-term future at Galatasaray. The 27-year-old has spent two seasons in Turkey, but looks increasingly likely to leave the club with just a few days until the commencement of the 2026-27 Super Lig season.
A move to the Premier League seems like the most obvious destination at the moment, with Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Arsenal all in the race for his signature, while Spanish side Atletico Madrid have also expressed interest and could make a move if Julian Alvarez completes his transfer to Barcelona.
Galatasaray have no plans to sell Victor Osimhen despite fresh transfer speculation
Iliman Ndiaye (Everton)
Senegalese forward Iliman Ndiaye’s future has also been up in the air all summer as different clubs continue to explore the possibility of signing him ahead of next season.
The 26-year-old has emerged as a top target for Liverpool, Manchester United and Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, who are in a three-horse race for his signature.
Ndiaye is open to an exit from Everton at this stage of his career, and a move could be completed before the window closes if the Toffees’ valuation is met by any of the interested clubs.
Al Hilal eye the move for Iliman Ndiaye – Potential transfer breakdown
Ayyoub Bouaddi (Lille)
Morocco youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi has attracted interest from several top clubs this summer, although Manchester City are well above the rest in the race and are closing in on a final agreement with Lille over a transfer for the 18-year-old.
Bouaddi enjoyed a superb display for the Atlas Lions at the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament, including a stunning midfield performance against Brazil on his debut.
Premier League champions Arsenal, as well as Real Madrid, are also interested, and his situation remains one to keep an eye on as the window progresses.
Five African stars who could earn major transfers after 2026 FIFA World Cup
Yan Diomande (RB Leipzig)
Ivory Coast teenage sensation Yan Diomande is on the verge of a move to Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid, although his story has been one of the most followed over the course of the transfer window.
The 19-year-old enjoyed a breakout campaign with Leipzig last season in the Bundesliga, winning the Rookie of the Season award and has draw interest from several of Europe’s elite clubs this summer.
Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool were close to an agreement, although they were unable to match the German club’s asking price. However, a move to Real Madrid could be completed in the coming days and would see the highly rated winger move to the Santiago Bernabeu for the next phase of his career.
Real Madrid close in on move for Yan Diomande – Potential transfer breakdown
Carlos Baleba (Brighton)
Cameroon international Carlos Baleba rounds off this list, with a move to Manchester United also very likely this summer.
The 22-year-old was also heavily linked with an exit from Brighton last summer, although he ended up staying at the club.
The Red Devils are still keen on adding a marquee signing in midfield, and if they can match Brighton’s asking price, then Baleba could soon be on his way to Old Trafford, ending months of speculation over his future.
