Osimhen, Salah Lead Top 10 Most Valuable African Players as AFCON 2023 Beckons

The upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is set to kick off in Ivory Coast this January, prompting numerous European clubs to lose key players for potentially about a month.

Superstar players like Mohamed Salah, Victor Osimhen, and André Onana might miss up to seven club games should their national teams progress to the tournament's final stages.

In the previous 2021 tournament held in Cameroon, Senegal clinched their inaugural AFCON title by defeating seven-time winners, Egypt in a thrilling final decided on penalties.

Currently, some of the most exceptional talent dominating European football hails from African nations. As AFCON approaches, Sports Brief takes a look at the 10 most valuable African players on the continent at the moment.

Top 10 African MVPs ahead of AFCON

10. Nayef Aguerd - €38 million

Aguerd's stint at West Ham, following his £30 million move from Rennes 18 months ago, has been marred by inconsistency. Nonetheless, his recent performances just before the AFCON displayed a semblance of stability.

His noteworthy display this season has sparked interest from clubs in France and Saudi Arabia. As he represents Morocco at AFCON, the prospect of his departure would create a notable void in West Ham's defence.

9. Victor Boniface - €40 million

Sharp-shooting Nigerian forward, Boniface has taken the Bundesliga by storm, scoring goals at sixes and sevens while leading Bayer Leverkusen to an unexpected title charge.

His meteoric rise from Bodø/Glimt, Union Saint-Gilloise, and now Leverkusen has not only made him a highly sought-after transfer target but has also seen his market value soar upwards.

8. Serhou Guirassy - €40 million

Another centre-forward from the continent setting the Bundesliga ablaze with his red-hot streak of goal-scoring form, Serhou Guirassy, will be making his AFCON bow this year after switching nationalities to play for the country of his parents in 2022.

The Guinean striker's form at VfB Stuttgart has directly influenced his market value, and a decent showing at the football festival will see his numbers break the glass ceiling.

7. Ousmane Diomande - €40 million

Arsenal fans would be familiar with Diomande, as Mikel Arteta has long admired the Ivorian defender. He's poised to play a pivotal role in his home nation's bid for a third continental title this year.

Reports from Portuguese publication, O Jogo, via Gooner Talk, indicate that the Gunners have initiated talks to secure the signature of the Sporting Lisbon star this year.

6. Andre Onana - €40 million

The Cameroonian goalkeeper, despite facing criticism, stands among Africa's most valuable players. Manchester United's significant investment of €55 million last summer, per the BBC, reflects his stature.

While his market value might have dipped due to a slow start at Old Trafford, he remains highly regarded among the top stars heading to AFCON 2023.

5. Edmond Tapsoba - €40 million

Another player in the €40m mark, the Burkinabe defender is one of the unsung heroes in Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen juggernaut pulling down trees in the German top flight.

Despite operating in the heart of defence, Tapsoba already has three goals in 22 appearances across all competitions, according to Transfermarkt. He is said to be a top transfer target for Premier League side, Tottenham Hotspur.

4. Mohammed Kudus - €45 million

The 23-year-old Ghanaian has swiftly gained cult status at West Ham, emerging as one of the most formidable players entering the competition. Mo Kudus is undoubtedly a standout talent to keep an eye on in Ivory Coast.

His remarkable performance in the final month of 2023 included four goals in six league games, earning him a nomination for the December Premier League Player of the Month, Myjoyonline reports.

3. Achraf Hakimi - €65 million

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Football

Following his standout performances in Morocco's 2022 World Cup semi-final journey, Achraf Hakimi enters the AFCON as an established icon of the tournament.

As a top-tier right-back, the PSG defender's significant market value mirrors his immense reputation in the transfer market. His stints with Dortmund and Inter Milan further solidify his impressive career track record.

2. Mohamed Salah - €65 million

Heading into the 34th edition of the AFCON, Mo Salah stands as a strong contender for the Golden Ball, rightfully ranking as the second most valuable player on the continent.

Notably, he holds the distinction of being the sole player above 30 with such a high valuation at the tournament, raising expectations for him to guide Egypt to victory, aiming to secure the AFCON title for the first time since 2010.

1. Victor Osimhen - €110 million

Even with a slight decrease in his value, the current African Footballer of the Year remains the only player on the continent valued above the €100 million mark.

Should he elevate the Super Eagles in the tournament, his value is likely to soar further.

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