Several high-profile African players remain without clubs despite the summer transfer window closing across most of Europe, with a number of experienced internationals still assessing their next moves.
Among the notable names currently on the free-agent market are former Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha, Senegal international Krépin Diatta, Nigerian winger Henry Onyekuru, former Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucouré and Ghanaian defender Daniel Amartey.
Footy-Africa look at their current situations and the clubs that could provide their next destinations.
Wilfried Zaha (Ivory Coast)
Wilfried Zaha remains one of the biggest names available on a free transfer after ending his association with Galatasaray. The 33-year-old Côte d’Ivoire international most recently spent time away from the Turkish giants on loan at Charlotte FC, following an earlier loan spell at Lyon, before becoming a free agent.
Zaha, who has won 34 caps for Côte d’Ivoire, has enjoyed a long and distinguished career, particularly during his time at Crystal Palace, where he established himself as one of the Premier League’s most recognisable wingers.
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The former Manchester United player has already attracted interest from several clubs. Italian giants AS Roma are among the most recent names linked with the winger, with Gazzetta dello Sport reporting that the club is considering him as an option for the wide areas. AC Milan have also been linked with the Ivorian, while Spanish side Málaga and Brazilian giants Corinthians have previously emerged as possible destinations.
Roma currently appears to be one of the most notable European options for Zaha, although there has been no confirmation of an agreement.
Krépin Diatta (Senegal)
Senegal winger Krépin Diatta became a free agent after leaving AS Monaco when his contract expired at the end of June.
The 27-year-old spent five-and-a-half years with the French club after joining from Club Brugge in January 2021, making 143 appearances for Monaco. He has earned 65 caps for Senegal and has also been used in several positions, including as a winger and wing-back.
Diatta has attracted considerable interest since becoming available. AS Roma are reportedly considering him alongside Zaha as they search for another wide option, while Everton have also been linked with a possible move. Other clubs previously mentioned in connection with the Senegal international include Marseille, Crystal Palace, Galatasaray, Trabzonspor, and Schalke 04.
His versatility and experience in European competition make him an attractive option for clubs looking for an experienced player without having to pay a transfer fee.
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Henry Onyekuru (Nigeria)
Nigerian forward Henry Onyekuru is another experienced African international currently searching for a new club after his contract with Turkish side Gençlerbirliği was terminated by mutual agreement in July.
The 29-year-old made 17 league appearances for Gençlerbirliği during the 2025/26 campaign before the two parties agreed to end his contract on July 12. The Turkish Football Federation officially recorded the termination.
Onyekuru has 15 caps for Nigeria and has previously played for the likes of Everton, Anderlecht, Monaco and Galatasaray. His experience in Turkish football could now play a role in determining his next destination.
Bursaspor have emerged as the clearest reported suitor for the former Galatasaray winger, with the Turkish club understood to be interested in adding his experience to their attacking options. There is currently no indication that a deal has been completed, however.
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Abdoulaye Doucouré (Mali)
Former Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucouré is also available after parting ways with Saudi Arabian club NEOM SC.
The 33-year-old Mali international joined NEOM as a free agent but spent only one season with the club before his contract was terminated during the summer. Doucouré made 14 appearances and registered four assists during his time with the Saudi side.
The midfielder, who has earned two caps for Mali, previously spent several seasons in the Premier League with Everton and also played for Watford and West Bromwich Albion in England.
Doucouré has attracted interest from several clubs since becoming a free agent. Saudi Arabian side Al-Qadsiah are reportedly interested in bringing him back to the Saudi Pro League, while Hatta Club of the United Arab Emirates and Chinese side Beijing Guoan have also been mentioned as potential destinations.
The interest from Al-Qadsiah appears to be one of the more prominent current links, although discussions with the other clubs are also reportedly possible.
Daniel Amartey (Ghana)
Ghanaian defender Daniel Amartey completes the list of notable African free agents.
The 31-year-old has been without a club since leaving Turkish giants Beşiktaş in September 2024. The defender joined the Istanbul club from Leicester City in 2023 but saw his contract terminated by mutual agreement after falling out of favour.
Amartey has won 42 caps for Ghana and spent seven seasons with Leicester, where he was part of the squad that famously won the Premier League title in the 2015/16 season. He also gained Champions League experience during his career.
A special thank you to Ghanaian legend Daniel Amartey for his generous support towards our preseason preparations.
Representatives of the former Leicester City defender presented items to the playing body earlier this week. #WIFW | 🔵🟠⚪️ pic.twitter.com/AvozBWQniK
— Nations Football Club (@nationsfcgh) August 7, 2026
The Ghanaian could now be on course for a return to English football. AFC Wimbledon have emerged as one of the most concrete options after Amartey trained with the League One club during pre-season. Ipswich Town and Turkish side Trabzonspor have also previously been linked with the defender.
A move to Wimbledon would represent a significant change from the level at which Amartey previously operated, but it could offer the former Leicester player an opportunity to return to competitive football after an extended period without a club.
Market still open to movement
While the summer transfer window has closed in many of Europe’s major leagues, free agents can still attract interest from clubs operating under the relevant registration rules
Recently the pool of prominent African free agents has also changed significantly in recent days, with several notable names securing new clubs.
Mali international Yves Bissouma has ended his spell on the market by joining Dutch giants Ajax on a free transfer, while Algeria midfielder Ismaël Bennacer has moved to Qatari side Al-Gharafa after mutually terminating his contract with AC Milan.
Morocco international Sofiane Boufal has also found a new home, signing for Libyan club Al-Ittihad this week. Nigerian forward Isaac Success is another name whose situation has changed, having recently secured a deal with Al-Bukiryah of Saudi Arabia.
