Ten most expensive African footballers of all time
Africa has produced some of the world’s best footballers . They have played for some of the most prestigious clubs on the globe such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, etc. Those clubs are never shy from paying huge sums of money to secure signatures of the best talents across the world. After Ghanian international Thomas Partey joined Arsenal for $58 million on deadline day, here is a look at the 10 most expensive African football players of all time, compiles Webster Nyandika
Hakim Ziyech (Ajax to Chelsea)– $41m million
The Moroccan has been one of Africa’s best players in the last three years. His stellar season (2018/2019) with Dutch side Ajax, made him one of the most coveted forwards. Ziyech finally joined the Blues after initially signing a pre-contract.
Sadio Mane (Southampton to Liverpool)– $42 million
The reigning African player of the year’s transfer from Southampton did cost Liverpool $42 million.
Since his move, the Senegalese has cemented his place as one of the finest wingers in the world today and forged a deadly striking partnership with fellow Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah.
Mohamed Salah (AS Roma to Liverpool)– $45 million
Egyptian Mohamed Salah is a player who needs no introduction after his move from As Roma to Liverpool has helped establish him as one of football best players.
His contributions have helped transform Liverpool into an unstoppable force, winning the Champions League, the Premier League and the Fifa Club World Cup.
Riyad Mahrez (Leicester to Man City)– $72 million
Following Leicester City’s Premier League winning season in 2016, Mahrez’s move away from King Power stadium seemed imminent.
With clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City salivating for the Algerian’s signature, Leicester were not willing to sell their Star player below the asking price.
It resulted in the Algerian abstaining training in order to force his transfer to Manchester City in 2018. His $72m move made him the most expensive African player at the time.
7. Thomas Partey (Atletico Madrid to Arsenal) – $58 million
Arsenal completed the $58 million (£45.4m) signing of Ghanaian Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid last week on Monday after dramatically triggering the defensive midfielder’s release clause within just hours of the transfer deadline, in what promises to be a transformative moment for Mikel Areta’s side.
This makes him one of the most expensive African football players.
Nabby Keita (RB Leipzig to Liverpool)– $64 million
After a stellar first season with RB Leipzig , Mali’s Naby Keita Signed a pre-Contract with Liverpool in 2017 which saw him join the Anfield Reds at the end of 2017/2018 season.
Pierre Emrick Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund to Arsenal)– $68 million
On January 2018, Aubameyang signed for Arsenal, for a then-club-record fee, reported to be $68 million.
His move came after five seasons with Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund, where the Gabonese scored 144 goals in 213 matches.
Cedric Bukambu (Villarreal to Beijing Guoan)– $79 million
Cedric Bukambu from DR Congo is not only the second most expensive African player but also the best paid in the continent.
He made a big money transfer from Villareal to Chinese super league side Beijing Guoan in 2018, where he is paid £307,000 weekly.
Nicolas Pepe (Lille to Arsenal) – $89m
Having recorded 35 goals in 74 matches for Ligue 1 club Lille, it was time to move for Nicolas Pepe.
It was Premier League giants Arsenal who moved in for the player, agreeing to pay $89 million, making the Ivorian the most expensive African player at the time.
Victor Osimhen (Lille to Napoli)– $90 million
Osimhen’s move from Lille to Napoli made him the most expensive African footballer of all time, costing the Italian giants $90 million plus bonuses according to Get French Football News.
The Nigerian earned €80,000 a month in France and now will receive between €4m to €5.5m a year net excluding bonuses.
