Top 5 African Players Set for Big-Money Transfers This Summer

• Some African players are set for big-money moves this summer transfer window
• Victor Osimhen and Mohamed Salah are among stars expected to change teams
• The highly-anticipated European transfer market will officially open on June 14

The 2023/24 football season has wrapped up in most parts of Europe, leaving fans gazing at the upcoming transfer window to monitor who is heading in and out of their favourite teams.

African players have grabbed headlines for the right reasons this past season and many are expected to make big-money moves in what is expected to be a busy summer transfer window.

According to GOAL, the Saudi Pro League is likely to be a major player in the market once more as they carry out the second phase of their strategy to permanently change the structure of top-level football.

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Egypt striker, Mohamed Salah, and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen have been strongly linked with a move to Saudi Arabia this summer although some top teams in Europe are also keen on both African superstars.

Sports Brief takes a look at the top African players expected to make big-money moves in the 2024 summer transfer window.

5 African players set for big-money transfers

1. Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)

Eberechi Eze was one of the standout players in the English Premier League this season and was recently named in Gareth Southgate’s England squad ahead of Euro 2024 in the summer.

Eze, who has Nigerian roots, reached double figures in Premier League goals and cemented his reputation as one of England's most deadly ball-carriers.

Tottenham Hotspur are said to have identified him as a target, and they are unlikely to be his only suitors this summer.

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2. Michael Olise (Crystal Palace)

Despite missing a significant portion of the season due to injury, Michael Olise managed to achieve double figures in goals in the Premier League from a right-wing position.

His return to full fitness coincided with Crystal Palace winning six of their final seven league games to finish the season strongly.

Olise is unlikely to go for anything less than £60 million this summer and Chelsea and Tottenham have been strongly linked with the French-Nigerian winger.

3. Victor Osimhen

Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United are the top clubs currently in a race to sign Victor Osimhen in the summer transfer window.

Napoli’s failure to defend their title and secure a UEFA Champions League spot for next season could propel the Nigerian forward to seek a move this summer after four seasons with the Italian giants.

Osimhen’s release clause at the Serie A club is set at €130 million and it could make the Super Eagles star Africa’s most expensive player if any deal pulls through this summer.

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4. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Mohamed Salah has shown dedication to Liverpool in the last few years. Last summer, the Egyptian forward stayed with the Reds despite Al-Ittihad submitting a whopping £150 million to sign him.

The Egyptian forward is likely to be tested again when the transfer market reopens, since the links to Saudi Arabia have only become stronger over the last year, and a public spat with Jurgen Klopp has added fuel to the fire.

New Liverpool manager, Arne Slot, has made it clear that he wants Salah to be a part of his reign at Anfield but if another huge offer comes in for the 31-year-old, the Reds would most likely take it seriously, especially given his dip in form.

5. Josh Zirkzee (Bologna)

Joshua Zirkzee played a large part in Bologna’s success after they qualified for the Champions League next season, led by the much-admired Thiago Motta.

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After failing to make the grade at Bayern Munich, the Nigerian-Dutchman has now begun to realise his full potential in Italy, leading the line brilliantly for Motta's side.

Zirkzee has a €40 million release clause that will be activated this summer, with Bayern believed to have the first option despite interest from Inter, Juventus, and numerous Premier League clubs.

African players linked with European moves

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Nigeria, Ghana, and Morocco have generally had more players in the world's top leagues, but South African footballers tend to stay local.

Mamelodi Sundowns star, Teboho Mokoena, and Orlando Pirates youngster, Relebohile Mofokeng, are two players that have been strongly linked with a move abroad this summer.