Where does Osimhen’s ₦131 billion move to Galatasaray rank among Africa’s most expensive transfers?

Victor Osimhen’s blockbuster ₦131 billion (€75m) switch from Napoli to Galatasaray has not only shaken the Turkish Super Lig but also reignited debates around the most high-profile African transfers in history.

As clubs across Europe continue to break the bank for African stars, Osimhen’s move now ranks among the elite few to command such massive fees.

Liverpool made a bold statement by securing the Guinean midfield maestro for €60 million in 2018 as part of their rebuild.

Keita had shone brightly in the Bundesliga with Leipzig, known for his box-to-box energy and tactical intelligence.

His Anfield chapter began with high expectations, although injuries and inconsistency limited his impact. Despite that, the deal remains one of Africa’s biggest.

Arsenal splashed €63.8 million in January 2018 to sign Aubameyang, then one of Europe’s deadliest strikers.

The Gabonese forward hit the ground running in London, winning the Premier League Golden Boot and becoming club captain.

His pace, precision, and charisma made him a fan favorite. Although his time ended controversially, his goalscoring feats justified the massive fee and helped revive Arsenal’s attacking identity.

Tottenham’s summer swoop for Kudus raised eyebrows as they triggered a €63.8 million move for the Ghanaian star.

After an exciting stint at West Ham and impressive European displays with Ajax, Kudus now faces a new challenge in North London.

His blend of technical flair, dribbling ability, and eye for goal offers Spurs a much-needed injection of creativity and dynamism.

Riyad Mahrez’s magical journey from Ligue 2 to Premier League stardom reached a new height when Man City spent €67.8 million on the Algerian winger in 2018.

He brought flair, experience, and a winning mentality to Pep Guardiola’s setup, playing a crucial role in multiple title wins and the 2023 treble.

His Champions League contributions and iconic left foot have made him one of City’s most memorable wide men.

The Moroccan full-back, known for his lightning pace and attacking threat, joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 for €68 million.

Hakimi’s move was driven by PSG’s vision to dominate Europe, and he delivered width, goals, and assists from defence.

Having already starred for Dortmund and Inter, Hakimi’s transfer confirmed his place among the world’s elite right-backs after he helped them win a major European trophy and made him the most expensive African defender.

The Cameroonian winger has steadily risen in the Premier League with Brentford, showcasing his deadly left foot, creativity, and tactical intelligence.

Manchester United's €75 million bid this summer signals their trust in his potential to fill the void in Ruben Amorim’s tactical master plan.

Mbeumo left Brentford as the club’s second-highest goalscorer in Premier League history with 42 goals, and it remains to be seen if he will have a similar impact at Manchester United.

Egyptian attacker Omar Marmoush’s rise has been rapid and remarkable. After a breakout season with Eintracht Frankfurt, City swooped in with a €75 million deal to bolster their attack.

Marmoush offers versatility, explosive pace, and a natural goal threat, making him an ideal fit for Pep Guardiola’s fluid system.

The move marks a milestone moment for Egyptian football, as the country’s most expensive player ever, and signals Marmoush’s arrival at Europe’s top table.

Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen made headlines after finally sealing his €75 million switch to Turkish giants Galatasaray.

Although slightly below his Napoli record fee, the move remains monumental in Turkish history as the most expensive Super Lig transfer ever.

Osimhen leaves Serie A as a league champion and a proven goal machine. Galatasaray’s ambition and financial muscle, backed by Champions League participation, have been key to acquiring one of Africa’s deadliest strikers.

Before his Galatasaray move, Osimhen already held second place on this list with his €78.9 million switch from Lille to Napoli in 2020.

It was a record deal for the Italian club and a major leap in the Nigerian striker’s career. He delivered emphatically, leading Napoli to their first Serie A title in over three decades.

The fee, performance, and legacy of that transfer remain massive in African football lore, although the marriage between Osimhen and Napoli ended in a messy divorce.

The most expensive African transfer remains Nicolas Pépé’s €80 million move from Lille to Arsenal in 2019.

The Ivorian winger was electric in Ligue 1, but the Arsenal chapter proved disappointing. Despite flashes of brilliance, Pépé struggled for consistency and eventually left on a free transfer.

While it did not pan out, the fee reflected the high expectations placed on one of Africa’s biggest talents at the time.