Africa’s 10 most expensive transfers – where Osimhen ranks

Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen has dropped further down the list of the most expensive African players in football history, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 27-year-old was previously second on the list behind Ivorian forward Nicolas Pepe, with both players having been involved in transfers worth around €80 million.

Pepe joined Arsenal from Lille in 2019 for €80 million, while Osimhen moved to Italian side Napoli from Lille for a deal worth almost the same amount, including add-ons, in the summer of 2020.

Osimhen spent four seasons at Napoli before leaving for Galatasaray on an initial loan deal in 2024. The Turkish giants then signed him permanently the following summer for €75 million.

Since joining Galatasaray permanently, Osimhen has continued to show why he is regarded as one of the best strikers in Europe. The Super Eagles forward has scored 59 goals in 74 official appearances for the club, helping them win three titles, including their fourth consecutive Turkish Super Lig title last season.

Diomande usurps Osimhen as Africa’s most expensive transfer

Osimhen has now been overtaken by another Ivorian star, Yan Diomande, who completed a huge move to Spanish giants Real Madrid in a deal worth up to €125 million and could rise to €140 million with add-ons.

The 19-year-old had been one of the most highly sought-after players in the transfer window, with several top European clubs showing interest in signing him ahead of next season.

Premier League giants Liverpool were particularly keen on Diomande, while European champions Paris Saint-Germain were also interested before Real Madrid entered the race.

Liverpool's offer was rejected by Leipzig after the German club deemed the bid too low. PSG eventually pulled out of the race after Real Madrid made a significantly bigger offer for the teenager.

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Diomande has since completed his move to Real Madrid on a long-term deal, setting a new African transfer record and surpassing the previous fees paid for Pepe and Osimhen.

Africa’s top 10 most expensive transfers

According to 433 Sport, the current top 10 is:

1. Yan Diamonde (from RB Leipzig to Real Madrid) – €125 million

2. Nicolas Pepe (from Lille to Arsenal) – €80 million

3. Victor Osimhen (from Lille to Napoli) – €78.9 million

4. Victor Osimhen (from Napoli to Galatasaray) – €75 million

5. Bryan Mbeumo (from Brentford to Manchester United) – €75 million

6. Omar Marmoush (from Eintracht Frankfurt to Manchester City) — €75 million

7. Antoine Semenyo (from Bournemouth to Manchester City) – €72 million

8. Achraf Hakimi (from Inter Milan to PSG) – €68 million

9. Riyad Mahrez (from Leicester City to Manchester City) – €67.8 million

10. Mohammed Kudus (from West Ham United to Tottenham Hotspur) — €64.8 million

Where does Osimhen’s future lie?

Osimhen's future has once again become one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer, with questions continuing over where he will play next season.

The Nigerian striker has reaffirmed his desire to remain at Galatasaray, while the Turkish champions have also repeatedly shown that they want to keep their star forward.

However, the club's position appears to have softened recently and they could now be willing to consider a big offer for the striker.

Several of Europe's top clubs have shown interest in signing Osimhen this summer, including Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal and Manchester United.

There has also been a new twist in the situation, with Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal reportedly exploring a possible deal for the Nigerian, although any move would depend on whether all the terms can be agreed.

The Turkish league begins this weekend, with Galatasaray starting their title defence against Corum. Osimhen is expected to feature in the game, but his future could change quickly if an agreement is reached with another club.