Top 10 Players Unveiled
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The January transfer window has started off slowly, with only a handful of significant deals being finalized in the first week. However, one transfer that is capturing plenty of attention is Manchester City’s pursuit of Antoine Semenyo. Reports suggest that the Bournemouth forward is on the verge of joining Pep Guardiola’s team for an initial fee of €72 million, with an additional €1.7 million in performance-related bonuses. This would not only set a record transfer fee for Bournemouth but also position Semenyo among the most expensive African players in Premier League history.
Most Expensive African Players in Premier League History
Leading the list is the Ivorian Nicolas Pépé, who transferred to Arsenal from Lille for €80 million in 2019, although he struggled to reach his full potential in England and eventually left on a free transfer four years later. Close behind is newcomer Bryan Mbeumo, who made a €75 million move to Manchester United in the summer transfer window, mirroring the transfer fee of Man City’s Omar Marmoush. If Semenyo’s transfer fee aligns with reports, he is expected to take the fourth spot in this ranking, potentially filling in as a long-term replacement for the underperforming Egyptian player. Fifth on the list is Riyad Mahrez, who was acquired by Manchester City from Leicester for €68 million.
Recently, two more signings have made their way into the top 10. Yoane Wissa moved from Brentford to Newcastle for €57.7 million, placing him ninth, while Mohammed Kudus’ transfer from West Ham to Tottenham at €63.8 million slightly surpasses Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s €63.75 million move to Arsenal in the 2017/18 season. Naby Keïta, after his €60 million switch to Liverpool, comes in at eighth, and completing the top 10 is Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who transferred from Crystal Palace to Manchester United for €55 million.
