The ascent of African talent: how key transfers reshape European football
The summer 2025 transfer window has been a pivotal period for African soccer talent, with players from all across the continent making strategic moves between European clubs at record fees. Today, we will focus solely on these high-profile deals, breaking down the most expensive but important transfers for this summer. Take a minute to read the analysis of the Efirbet Sports News section, as it reveals who the soccer players are that are not just names on the bench, but have a significant role in shaping Europe’s biggest teams.
Evann Guessand to Aston Villa – €30 M
With Ollie Watkins being the only prolific forward in the Aston Villa front line, the club needed another recognised striker to reshape its attacking strategy and fill a tactical gap. Ivorian forward Evann Guessand was a perfect example of an agile and versatile candidate who could fill the gap and present a fresh set of attacking options.
After a strong (and his best yet) season in the French Ligue 1, which included 12 goals in 32 appearances, Evan Guessand officially signed the contract at Villa Park. The deal was completed on August 8, 2025, with a reported fee of 30 million euros, placing Guessand high on the list of the most expensive African soccer players.
With Ollie Watkins being the only prolific forward in the Aston Villa front line, the club needed another recognised striker to reshape its attacking strategy and fill a tactical gap. Ivorian forward Evann Guessand was a perfect example of an agile and versatile candidate who could fill the gap and present a fresh set of attacking options.
After a strong (and his best yet) season in the French Ligue 1, which included 12 goals in 32 appearances, Evan Guessand officially signed the contract at Villa Park. The deal was completed on August 8, 2025, with a reported fee of 30 million euros, placing Guessand high on the list of the most expensive African soccer players.
Habib Diarra to Sunderland – €31.5 M
Freshly promoted to the Premier League, Sunderland demonstrated that it had come to the elite division to stay. This is why acquiring the 21-year-old Senegalese midfielder Habib Diarra from the French Strasbourg is so important for the club. The fee of 31.5 million euros is record-breaking for the club, but it shows the club’s clear intentions to become the Premier League mainstay, especially after the departure of the talented Jobe Bellingham (Jude Bellingham’s brother).
Diarra is part of Sunderland’s 165 million plan to not only survive but establish a place in one of the most competitive leagues in the world. Known for its energy and ball-winning skills, Habib Diarra may have exactly the skills a newly promoted team would need.
Rayan Ait-Nouri to Manchester City – €36.3 M
Manchester City secured the Algerian left-back’s signature from Wolverhampton Wanderers for an initial fee of 36.3 million euros, which could reach up to 42 million euros with add-ons. The transfer, which was announced on June 9, 2025, was one of Citty’s earliest moves of this transfer window.
The 24-year-old Algerian national was a significant attacking threat from his wing-back position, with four goals and seven assists in 37 Premier League appearances. What’s interesting about this move is that this is the first left-back City has acquired since 2019. However, the club has aspirations to take part in the new, expanded FIFA Club World Cup, which means the club is actively preparing for an increased demand and wants each position to be secured by a top-talent player.
Dango Ouattara to Brentford – €50.6 M
Another club-record deal is the transfer of the Burkina Faso national Dango Ouattara from AFC Bourhnemut to Brentford. The 23-year-old winger who scored nine goals in all competitions last season is viewed as a direct replacement for Bryan Mbeumo.
It is known that Brentford manager Keith Andrews wanted someone just as versatile and experienced to substitute the departed Mbeumo. Having secured a record fee from selling the team, Brentford immediately reinvested a huge portion of the capital in a younger and high-potential player.
Read the whole Efirbet soccer transfers article to find out who the most expensive African players are and which team they will boost on their way to the trophies. We are sure that some of the numbers will impress you.