Osimhen, Pepe and Other Most Expensive African Stars After Mbeumo Joined Man United
- Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford for £71 million
- The deal for the Cameroonian international became official after nearly two months of negotiation
- Mbeumo is now one of the most African players of all time, even if the add-on condition isn't met
English Premier League giants, Manchester United, announced the signing of Bryan Mbeumo, the latest addition to Ruben Amorim's side after Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The deal was officially announced on Monday, July 21, after negotiations for the Cameroonian international dragged on for nearly two months.
Source: Getty Images
According to The Athletic, the deal is worth an initial fee of £65 million paid in four instalments, plus £6m in add-ons, making him one of the most expensive African players.
Legit.ng looks at the top five most expensive African footballers after Mbeumo joined Manchester United.
Most expensive African players
1. Victor Osimhen
According to Goal, Osimhen joined Napoli from LOSC Lille in the summer of 2020 for an initial €70 million, plus €10 million in add-ons, which were fulfilled, making him the most expensive African player, an honour he shared with former Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe.
2. Nicolas Pepe
Arsenal broke their transfer record in 2019 when they signed Ivorian winger Nicolas Pepe for €80mil(£72mil) from Lille, after which the French club signed Osimhen from Royal Charleroi, and also sold him for the same fee a year later. Pepe’s time was underwhelming and was sold in 2023.
3. Bryan Mbeumo
Mbeumo becomes the third most expensive African player after joining Manchester United. The forward, who was born in France, scored 20 Premier League goals and seven assists for the Bees last season.
4. Riyad Mahrez
The Algerian international helped Leicester City win their famous Premier League title in 2016 and joined Manchester City two years later in a deal reportedly worth £60 million. He spent five seasons at the Etihad during which he won 20 trophies, including four league titles and the UEFA Champions League.
5. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Arsene Wenger, in his final season at Arsenal, paid £56 million to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund in January. The Gabonese striker lived up to the fee with 68 Premier League goals before leaving to join Barcelona in January 2022.
Source: Getty Images
6. Naby Keita
Jurgen Klopp invested £52.7 million in Naby Keita from RB Leipzig in 2018. The Guinean international was hampered by injuries, but proved his capabilities when fit. He was released by the club when his contract expired in 2023.
Super Eagles star Osimhen could match his previous transfer fee if he fulfils all the add-ons conditions of his proposed permanent move from Napoli to Galatasaray.
The Turkish champions will pay his €75 million release clause, plus a €5 million bonus after a breakthrough in negotiations with Napoli.
Brentford star Mbeumo eyes World Cup place
Legit.ng reported that France-born English Premier League forward Bryan Mbeumo hoped that switching national team loyalty to Cameroon can win him a place at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
An increasing number of footballers from Europe are choosing to represent the African country where their parents or grandparents were born.
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Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
