The 2025-26 Premier League season begins on Friday with defending champions Liverpool hosting Bournemouth. While Egypt’s Mohamed Salah aims for a fifth Golden Boot alongside new teammates Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, a fresh wave of African talent will be making headlines. With the Africa Cup of Nations (21 December – 18 January) set to disrupt the campaign, many of the continent’s best will have a major say in how the season unfolds.
Mbeumo’s big stage at Old Trafford
Cameroon’s Bryan Mbeumo was the headline African transfer of the summer, swapping Brentford for Manchester United in a £65m deal. After netting 20 league goals and seven assists last season, the 25-year-old now faces the challenge of leading United’s revival under Ruben Amorim. The Red Devils endured a miserable 15th-place finish last term, and their £200m attacking overhaul – also including Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko – leaves Mbeumo under immediate pressure to deliver. Known for his off-field passions in piano and chess, the forward will need to bring precision and creativity to a side desperate for attacking spark, even without European football.
Kudus aims to fill Spurs’ void
Mohammed Kudus has crossed London to join Tottenham from West Ham for £55m, becoming the first player to move directly between the clubs since 2011. The Ghanaian shone in his first season at West Ham but faltered last year under Graham Potter’s wing-back system. At Spurs, Kudus will work under new manager Thomas Frank, whose reputation for developing talent was a major draw. With club legend Son Heung-Min gone and James Maddison sidelined for much of the campaign, Kudus is likely to take on a central role as Spurs return to Champions League action.
Ait-Nouri adds drive to City
Manchester City responded to a trophyless season by signing Algeria’s Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves for £31m. The 24-year-old’s attacking threat from left-back – four goals and seven assists last season – could be vital as Pep Guardiola’s side aim to reclaim the title. Already tested at the FIFA Club World Cup, Ait-Nouri’s adaptation to City’s possession game will be closely watched.
Sunderland’s African core
Back in the Premier League after an eight-year absence, Sunderland have infused their squad with African flair. The £30m signing of Senegal midfielder Habib Diarra headlines a group that also includes DR Congo duo Arthur Masuaku and Noah Sadiki, Mozambique’s Reinildo, Morocco’s Chemsdine Talbi, and Ivory Coast winger Simon Adingra. Adingra, a 2023 Afcon winner, struggled for game time at Brighton but could prove decisive in Sunderland’s fight against relegation.
More names to watch in Premier League
West Ham replaced Kudus with Senegal wing-back El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague, while DR Congo’s Axel Tuanzebe moved to Burnley after suffering relegation with Ipswich. Everton’s teenage Moroccan left-back Adam Aznou arrives from Bayern Munich, hoping to break into Sean Dyche’s plans at the club’s new stadium.
With the transfer window open until 1 September, more African moves are likely. DR Congo’s Yoane Wissa is seeking a Brentford exit, while Chelsea have cleared Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson to leave.
From title races to relegation battles, African stars are set to influence every corner of the Premier League this season. For some, it’s a fresh challenge at a new club; for others, it’s about stepping up in familiar surroundings. Either way, their performances could shape not just club fortunes, but also the build-up to Afcon 2025.
