'From Zaha to Osimhen'- Ranking the Shocking Transfer Moves of African Footballers This Season

This season's transfer window has seen some surprising moves involving top African footballers.

From Victor Osimhen's unexpected switch to Galatasaray to Wilfried Zaha's last-minute loan to Lyon, these transfers have reshaped the football landscape.

Players like Serhou Guirassy, Noussair Mazraoui, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Jordan Ayew have also made headlines, taking on new challenges at top European clubs.

Here's a look at the most notable African transfers and what they mean for the upcoming season.

Noussair Mazraoui (Bayern Munich to Manchester United)

Erik ten Hag has brought another former Ajax player to Manchester United. The Moroccan international has signed a contract until June 2028, with an option for an additional year.

At 26, Mazraoui has won four league titles—three with Ajax and one with Bayern Munich. He was also a key player in Morocco's historic journey to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals and can play on either side of the defense.

Mazraoui expressed his excitement about reuniting with his former manager at Old Trafford and aims to make the most of his prime years under Ten Hag.

Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace to Leicester City)

Leicester signed Jordan Ayew from Crystal Palace on a two-year contract, replacing Iheanacho in a deal worth an initial £5 million.

The 32-year-old scored 23 goals in 212 appearances during his time at Palace. After coming off the bench in Leicester’s opening Premier League games, Ayew found the net in a Carabao Cup win against Tranmere and made his full league debut against Aston Villa.

With Ghana struggling in the Nations Cup qualifiers, Ayew will be looking to bring his experience to Leicester and help them stay competitive in their return to the top flight.

Wilfried Zaha (Galatasaray to Lyon)

In a last-minute move, Wilfried Zaha switched from Galatasaray to French side Lyon on a season-long loan.

Lyon signed Wilfried Zaha from Galatasaray for the 2024-25 Ligue 1 season. Zaha joined Galatasaray in 2023 from Crystal Palace, making 42 appearances and scoring 10 goals during his time with the Turkish club.

Despite helping Galatasaray to a league title and scoring 10 goals, including a memorable one against Manchester United, Zaha was often benched towards the end of last season.

Now at 31, he's hoping for more playing time in Ligue 1, where he’ll team up with Nigeria’s rising star Gift Orban.

Zaha will be aiming to rediscover the form that made him a nightmare for defenders during his time at Crystal Palace.

Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City to Sevilla)

After Youssef En-Nesyri’s departure to Fenerbahce, Sevilla brought in Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho on a free transfer, signing him for two years.

During his seven seasons at Leicester City, Iheanacho netted 61 goals, including memorable performances during their FA Cup triumph in 2021.

Now at Sevilla, he hopes to inject the creativity and goals needed to lift the team from their disappointing 14th-place finish last season.

The Nigerian forward made his full debut in a goalless draw against Mallorca and will be crucial as Sevilla push for European football.

Serhou Guirassy (Stuttgart to Dortmund)

Serhou Guirassy joined Borussia Dortmund from VfB Stuttgart in the summer but has not yet played for his new club due to a knee injury found during his medical.

Since then, the Guinea international has been working on his recovery and is now ready to be included in the squad for Friday's Bundesliga clash against Heidenheim.

After Sebastien Haller's loan exit, summer signing Serhou Guirassy has changed from No. 19 to No. 9, with Borussia Dortmund and the player reimbursing fans who bought his former jersey.

The Guinean striker had a breakout season last year, scoring 28 goals in 28 league games for Stuttgart, second only to Harry Kane in the European Golden Shoe race.

Signed for a modest £15m thanks to a release clause, Dortmund’s sporting director is excited about what the 28-year-old can bring once fit. With his return to training, fans are eager to see him in action.

Victor Osimhen (Napoli to Galatasaray)

Victor Osimhen of Nigeria has resolved his immediate future following an intense summer saga with Napoli, Chelsea, and Al Ahli.

Victor Osimhen has joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan from Napoli, Galatasaray will pay €6 million ($6.65 million) to the 25-year-old Nigerian international for the 2024-2025 season, with the agreement lasting until the end of June, as per reports from Pulse Sports

Yet, a mix of high transfer costs, time limitations, and strained relations with Napoli saw the 25-year-old opt for a one-year loan at Galatasaray, following in the footsteps of his football idol, Didier Drogba.

The deal includes a clause allowing for a permanent transfer in January, leaving Osimhen’s future uncertain if things don’t pan out as planned in Istanbul.