Welcome to Footy-Africa’s daily news feed on all the latest transfer rumours, official announcements and other news that directly or indirectly affect African players from all over the world with a strong focus on Nigerian, Ghanaian, Ugandan, Zambian, Kenyan, Tanzanian, Gambian and South African footballers.
17:23 Kepa Backs Semenyo for the Top as Premier League Giants Circle
Kepa Arrizabalaga has hailed Bournemouth teammate Antoine Semenyo as a future star, praising his humility, versatility, and physicality. The Ghanaian forward netted 11 goals to help the Cherries to a strong ninth-place Premier League finish, just shy of European qualification.
With top-six clubs circling, Semenyo’s future remains uncertain—just like Kepa’s, who is set to return to Chelsea after a loan spell at the Vitality Stadium. Speaking to Telecom Asia, Kepa said Semenyo “has the world in front of him” and all the traits to become an elite-level player.
16:53 Sunderland Join Race Getafe Star Christantus Uche
Sunderland have entered the race to sign highly-rated Getafe midfielder Christantus Uche, joining Leeds United and Brentford in pursuit of the 22-year-old Nigerian, onetheminute.com reports.
Fresh off their return to the Premier League, the Black Cats are reportedly planning a major summer rebuild and see Uche as a potential statement signing. The La Liga star has a €25 million release clause, with Atletico Madrid also interested in keeping him in Spain.
14:24 Nigeria Boss Drops Lookman and Osimhen, Citing Fatigue and Transfer Focus
Speaking at the press conference in Moscow on the eve of the friendly match against Russia, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle told the media that both superstars couldn’t be 100% focused on the national team at the moment.
“Lookman and Osimhen were left out of the squad for the match against Russia because they had a very long season and needed rest. In addition, during this transfer window, they will have to decide which clubs they will continue playing for. For me, it’s very important that players in the national team are 100% focused on the team and not thinking about anything else”, Chelle told the media.
“Victor Osimhen is the best striker in the world. I haven’t discussed his transfer situation with him, but I know that many clubs across the globe, including in England, are after him. I’m also aware of interest from Saudi Arabia. He will have to make his choice and continue his journey. As the coach of the Nigerian national team, my main concern is that he stays in top form and keeps scoring goals. I will do everything I can to support him in that”, – he added.
13:49 Official: Austria Vienna Sign Ghanaian Striker Kelvin Boateng on Four-Year Deal
Austria Vienna have announced their first signing ahead of the 2025/26 season, bringing in Ghanaian forward Kelvin Boateng from First Vienna FC. The 25-year-old, who netted 21 goals in 43 second-division appearances over the past two seasons, has signed a four-year contract with the Violets. Known for his speed and athleticism, Boateng is expected to add depth and flexibility to Austria’s attack.
13:21 Confirmed: Al Ahly Wanted Orlando Pirates Star Monnapule Saleng
Former Al Ahly scout Hany Ramzy has confirmed that the Egyptian giants were seriously interested in signing Orlando Pirates winger Monnapule Saleng. Speaking on the Kora Talks podcast, Ramzy revealed that ex-coach Marcel Koller admired the 27-year-old’s speed and skill, even rating him as more dangerous than former Al Ahly star Percy Tau. Despite the strong interest, the move never materialized.
13:09 Al Hilal’s New Coach Simone Inzaghi Approves Osimhen Pursuit
Newly appointed Al Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi has given the green light for the club to push ahead with their ambitious move for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, as per Fabrizio Romano. The Saudi Pro League giants have made Osimhen a top target for the summer, with talks currently ongoing to secure the prolific forward’s signature.
🚨🇸🇦 Victor Osimhen remains high on Al Hilal list as new striker with talks ongoing to bring in the Nigerian forward.
€75m release clause available, Al Hilal are working on player side for a target now also approved by Simone Inzaghi. pic.twitter.com/xj8ZNFwVB3
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 4, 2025
The 25-year-old, who has a €75 million release clause, is being courted as Al Hilal work intensively on the player’s side of the deal. Inzaghi’s approval marks a significant step forward in what could become one of the blockbuster transfers of the window.
12:16 Semenyo Hints at European Move After Stellar Premier League Season
AFC Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo has opened the door to a potential move to Europe after a standout Premier League campaign. The Ghanaian striker scored 11 goals and provided five assists in 37 appearances.
In an interview with Showmax Semenyo admitted that he dreams of playing in European competitions:
“I’d like to think my performance shows I’m ready to take that next step,” he said.
Despite Bournemouth finishing ninth and missing out on continental football, Semenyo has attracted interest from Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham, and Newcastle, with his future now a key talking point ahead of the summer transfer window.
10:30 Hansi Flick Interested in Ademola Lookman Transfer to Barcelona
According to Barca Times, Barcelona’s head coach Hansi Flick has shown interest in signing Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman from Atalanta. Flick views Lookman as a financially attractive option to strengthen the club’s attack. Lookman is also open to considering a move to Barcelona. Atalanta values the player at €60 million, but the price may drop since his contract expires next year. The potential transfer could take place this summer.
09:50 Fenerbahçe Will Offer €20 million for Boniface
Fenerbahçe is reportedly eyeing a significant move to bolster their attacking lineup by targeting Bayer Leverkusen’s Nigerian striker, Victor Boniface, who is valued at €40 million. The club, under the leadership of newly appointed football director Acun Ilıcalı and manager Jose Mourinho, is keen on enhancing its squad to end a decade-long championship drought, as per Sporx.
Boniface, 23, has made a notable impact in the Bundesliga with 14 goals and 8 assists in the 2023/24 season, and his contract with Leverkusen runs until 2028. While Fenerbahçe is prepared to offer €20 million for the transfer, it’s uncertain whether this will meet Leverkusen’s expectations. The club’s ambitious plans also include other high-profile targets, reflecting a strategic push to reclaim domestic glory and make a mark in European competitions.
09:25 Sunderland Confirm Salis Abdul Samed’s Departure
Sunderland have officially announced that Salis Abdul Samed will not be part of their squad for the 2025/26 season, as confirmed in a statement published on the club’s website.
The 25-year-old Ghanaian defensive midfielder returns to RC Lens following the end of his season-long loan spell in England. Abdul Samed remains under contract with the French club until June 2028.
Valued at €5.5 million, the Ghana international reportedly earns an annual salary of €840,000 at Lens. However, his loan stint at Sunderland was hindered by a muscle injury, limiting him to just 11 appearances in all competitions, totaling 320 minutes of play.
08:28 Ian Wright Urges Arsenal to Sign Super Eagles Star Ademola Lookman
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has called on the Gunners to make a bold move for Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman this summer. Speaking on his podcast, Wrighty’s House, the former striker praised Lookman’s remarkable journey from struggling in England to becoming the 2024 CAF Player of the Year with Atalanta.
“I hope we can buy him, Arsenal. I would love someone like him to come back to the Premier League and say, ‘listen, I have unfinished business here so I am going to help Arsenal win the league,’” Wright said.
Lookman is expected to leave Atalanta, with several top clubs showing interest.
