Keypoints:
- Major African transfers reshape EPL squads
- Afcon to test clubs mid-season
- Title, survival battles feature African talent
THE 2025-26 English Premier League season kicks off on Friday, with Liverpool beginning the defence of their title at home to Bournemouth — and a wave of African players ready to make their mark.
Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, reigning player of the season, will spearhead a refreshed Liverpool attack alongside big-money arrivals Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz. Salah, chasing a fifth golden boot, is one of over 50 African players who could have their campaigns disrupted by the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), scheduled from December 21 to January 18.
The summer transfer window has brought high-profile moves for several African stars from countries including DR Congo, Morocco, Mozambique and Senegal, promising fresh narratives for the months ahead.
Mbeumo leads Manchester United rebuild
The biggest African transfer of the window saw Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo join Manchester United from Brentford for an initial £65 million. The 25-year-old netted 20 league goals and provided seven assists last season, earning his move to what he calls ‘the club of my dreams’.
United, under new boss Ruben Amorim, are in recovery after finishing 15th — their worst Premier League performance. Mbeumo joins fellow attacking signings Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, with the club spending £200m to revitalise their frontline despite missing out on European football.
Known for his piano playing and love of chess, Mbeumo now faces the challenge of hitting the right notes on the pitch to fire United back to prominence.
Kudus takes on pivotal Spurs role
Ghana midfielder Mohammed Kudus has swapped West Ham for Tottenham Hotspur in a £55 million move, becoming the first player in 14 years to make the switch between the London clubs.
Kudus shone in his debut season in east London but found his second campaign more challenging under Graham Potter’s system. His form at Ajax had made him one of Europe’s most sought-after talents, and Spurs are betting on him rediscovering that spark.
Champions League football and the chance to work with new manager Thomas Frank were decisive factors in his move. With Son Heung-Min departing and James Maddison sidelined for most of the season, Kudus is expected to take on a central creative role.
Ait-Nouri strengthens City’s left flank
After a trophyless campaign saw them slip to third, Manchester City acted quickly to secure Algeria left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £31m.
The 24-year-old, who scored four goals and registered seven assists last season, impressed despite Wolves’ struggles. Comfortable in both defensive and advanced roles, Ait-Nouri has already featured for City at the Fifa Club World Cup and will be key to Pep Guardiola’s plans to restore the club’s winning edge.
Sunderland’s African core in survival bid
Back in the Premier League for the first time since 2017, Sunderland have overhauled their squad with 11 signings — six of them African.
Record signing Habib Diarra from Senegal joins DR Congo duo Arthur Masuaku and Noah Sadiki, Mozambique defender Reinildo and Moroccan winger Chemsdine Talbi. Ivory Coast winger Simon Adingra, an Afcon 2023 winner, also arrives from Brighton, bringing valuable top-flight experience.
With survival the priority, these African recruits will be central to the Black Cats’ fight to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.
More African moves on the horizon
West Ham replaced Kudus with Senegal wing-back El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague for £19 million, with Potter describing the 20-year-old as ‘hungry and ambitious’.
Elsewhere, DR Congo defender Axel Tuanzebe has joined Burnley from Ipswich Town, aiming to avoid back-to-back relegations, while Moroccan teenager Adam Aznou has signed for Everton from Bayern Munich.
The transfer window remains open until September 1, leaving room for further movement. Brentford’s DR Congo forward Yoane Wissa is seeking a transfer, and Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson is expected to leave Chelsea after lifting the Club World Cup last season.
Afcon set to impact title and relegation races
With the Afcon running mid-season, clubs with African talent face potential squad disruptions during a crucial period. For title contenders like Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham — as well as relegation battlers such as Sunderland — squad depth will be tested.
The stage is set for a Premier League campaign rich in African storylines, from star strikers chasing glory to debutants aiming for survival. As the opening whistle blows, the focus will be on whether these players can define the season before and after their continental commitments.
