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Premier League 2025/26: Africans look to shine as new season kicks off
The 2025-26 Premier League season kicks off on Friday, with Liverpool launching their title defence at home to Bournemouth. The season will be shaped by the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which runs from 21 December to 18 January. Although up to 50 Premier League players could see their domestic seasons interrupted by the tournament, a number of African players will be looking to shine or underline their stardom in the new season.
Mohamed Salah, the reigning Player of the Season, will chase a record-equalling fifth Golden Boot, leading a revamped Reds attack alongside new big-money signings Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz.
Bryan Mbeumo: Manchester United’s £65m Statement Signing
Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo headlines the summer’s African transfers after a £65m ($87m) switch from Brentford to Manchester United. Fresh from a 20-goal, seven-assist season, the 25-year-old joins a rebuilt attack alongside Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko in a £200m spree. United, coming off a 15th-place finish, need Mbeumo to deliver quickly on and off the pitch, where his love of piano and chess is well-known.
Mohammed Kudus Swaps West Ham for Tottenham
Ghana’s Mohammed Kudus completed a £55m ($74m) move to Tottenham Hotspur, the first direct West Ham-to-Spurs transfer since 2011. After a mixed spell in East London, the 24-year-old is eager to rediscover his Ajax form under new coach Thomas Frank. With Son Heung-min gone and James Maddison injured long-term, Kudus is expected to play a pivotal role in Spurs’ Champions League push.
He only wanted Spurs.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 10, 2025
Welcome to North London, Mohammed Kudus.
🔊 @stonebwoy 🇬🇭 pic.twitter.com/zllwRvuZeL
Rayan Ait-Nouri Boosts Manchester City’s Title Charge
Manchester City, determined to bounce back from a trophyless season, spent £31m ($41.5m) on Algerian left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves. The 24-year-old has already featured at the FIFA Club World Cup and is seen as a potent attacking option from wing-back in Pep Guardiola’s possession-heavy system.
Sunderland’s African Revolution
Back in the top flight for the first time since 2017, Sunderland have signed 11 players , six from Africa.
The arrivals include Senegal midfielder Habib Diarra (club-record £30m), DR Congo duo Arthur Masuaku and Noah Sadiki, Mozambique’s Reinildo, Moroccan winger Chemsdine Talbi, and Ivory Coast’s Afcon winner Simon Adingra. The 23-year-old Adingra, signed from Brighton, will be crucial in Sunderland’s survival fight.
Other African Moves Across the League
Despite losing Kudus, West Ham signed Senegal wing-back El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague for £19m ($25.5m). Manager Graham Potter praised the 20-year-old’s hunger and ambition.
DR Congo centre-back Axel Tuanzebe joined Burnley from Ipswich Town, hoping to avoid a second straight relegation.
Teenage left-back Adam Aznou arrives from Bayern Munich, aiming to break into Everton’s squad in their first season at the new stadium.
With the transfer deadline on 1 September, more African transfers could follow. DR Congo forward Yoane Wissa is pushing to leave Brentford, while Chelsea have given Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson the green light to depart.
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