Five Most Expensive African Transfers Ever
It’s transfer window season and, as always, clubs are making their moves to get the best players and deals ahead of the new season. From an African perspective, we have some talents that could be on the move, but while these moves are still in motion, let’s look at the five most expensive African transfers ever.
1. Nicolas Pepe – Lille to Arsenal (€80m)
The biggest bust on this list is surprisingly the most expensive. In 2019, Arsenal paid €80 million to secure the signing of Nicolas Pepe from French side Lille. He scored 22 league goals and provided 11 assists in his final season at Lille. However, his move to the Emirates didn’t go as planned as he struggled to make an impact in the league. After a loan spell at Nice, his contract at Arsenal was terminated, allowing him to move to Trabzonspor. He is currently without a club.
2. Riyad Mahrez – Leicester City to Manchester City (€68m)
In 2018, Manchester City broke their transfer record to sign Riyad Mahrez from Leicester City. Mahrez was a key part of the 2016 Leicester team that defied all odds to win the Premier League title. He continued to shine at Manchester City, winning multiple league and cup titles, and the Champions League in 2023. Mahrez currently plays for Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League.
3. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – Borussia Dortmund to Arsenal (€63.75m)
In January 2018, Arsenal broke their transfer record to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund. Aubameyang made an instant impact for the Gunners, scoring 10 goals in 13 appearances. The following season, he scored 22 league goals to emerge as joint-top scorer in the Premier League alongside Sadio Mane and Mo Salah. He scored 92 goals in 163 appearances for Arsenal, winning the FA Cup. Aubameyang is currently set to join Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah.
4. Achraf Hakimi – Inter Milan to Paris Saint-Germain (€60m)
Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi has had an impressive career, playing for Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, and now PSG. With each move, his price has gone up. After winning the Serie A in 2021 with Inter Milan, Paris Saint-Germain paid €60 million with add-ons for his services. He has gone on to win multiple titles with the French giants.
5. Naby Keita – RB Leipzig to Liverpool (€60m)
Naby Keita’s career hasn’t gone as planned, with injuries playing a key part, but in 2018, he made a €60 million move from RB Leipzig to Liverpool. He made 84 appearances in 5 years, winning the UEFA Champions League and Premier League among other trophies. He currently plies his trade for Werder Bremen in Germany.
These transfers highlight the impact African players have on the global football stage, commanding high fees and contributing to their teams in major ways. Whether they met expectations or not, their moves mark important milestones in their careers and for African football.
