Victor Osimhen is on the verge of a historic transfer, with Paris Saint-Germain making significant strides in negotiations to acquire the Napoli forward.
Napoli is expected to receive over £100 million for Osimhen, a sum that would make him the most expensive African footballer ever.
The 25-year-old, who was named African Footballer of the Year in 2023, is one of the continent’s top stars. But which other African footballers hold high market values? Using valuation data from transfermarkt.co.uk, here are the most valuable African footballers right now.
5. Edmond Tapsoba – Bayer Leverkusen (€45m)
Edmond Tapsoba has made a name for himself at Bayer Leverkusen, especially during the club’s unbeaten double in the 2023-24 German season.
The 25-year-old centre-back has caught the eye of Premier League clubs with his proactive possession play. Tapsoba was among the top 10% of centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues last season for progressive passes, carries, attempted passes, and successful take-ons per game.
𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬! 🥇 @bayer04fussball pic.twitter.com/BgfJTw28jI
— Edmond Tapsoba (@12Tapsoba) May 19, 2024
Internationally, he was named in the Team of the Tournament as Burkina Faso reached the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2022.
4. Mohammed Kudus – West Ham (€50m)
West Ham signed Mohammed Kudus from Ajax last summer for £35 million, and his value has soared since then.
Kudus had an outstanding first season in English football, scoring 18 goals and providing seven assists in 48 appearances. A dynamic forward, he completed more successful take-ons (124) than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues last season.
Kudus from his own half 🥵@WestHam || #UEL pic.twitter.com/I3yhP7My0h
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) March 15, 2024
West Ham included a release clause of around £85 million in Kudus’ contract, a hefty sum that top clubs might consider if his performance trend continues.
3. Mohamed Salah – Liverpool (€55m)
Mohamed Salah, arguably African football’s biggest star, ranks third in market value among CAF players.
With his contract at Liverpool entering its final 12 months, there is speculation about his future, especially with interest from the Saudi Pro League. Salah’s stats remain impressive, with 25 goals and 14 assists last season.
Another game, another record for Mohamed Salah 👑
He becomes the first Premier League player to register 10+ goals and 10+ assists in three consecutive campaigns 🔴 pic.twitter.com/fyROIThLIi
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 5, 2024
He has netted 211 goals in his seven seasons at Anfield, a record only four players have surpassed for Liverpool.
2. Achraf Hakimi – Paris Saint-Germain (€60m)
Achraf Hakimi is valued at €60 million (£51 million), making him the second most valuable African player.
The Moroccan full-back joined Paris Saint-Germain from Inter Milan for a fee that could rise to €71 million in 2021. He has since solidified his status as one of the world’s best full-backs, winning three consecutive Ligue 1 titles and earning Team of the Season honors in the last two campaigns.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME, ACHRAF HAKIMI?! 🇲🇦☄️ pic.twitter.com/wFxDYc5lUj
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) September 24, 2023
His pace and attacking prowess were key to PSG’s success, and he was instrumental in Morocco’s historic run to the World Cup semi-finals in 2022.
1. Victor Osimhen – Napoli (€100m)
Victor Osimhen is considered Africa’s most valuable footballer, with an estimated worth of €100 million (£84.2 million).
Osimhen has been prolific since joining Napoli from Lille, including a Capocannoniere-winning season as Napoli clinched the Serie A title in 2022-23.
The Nigerian forward was named the league’s Most Valuable Player and the African Footballer of the Year, becoming the first Nigerian to win the award since Nwankwo Kanu in 1999.
This goal is vintage Victor Osimhen 💥
He gives Napoli the lead ✅
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/jIxbwASIzP
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 6, 2024
With 65 goals in 108 league games for Napoli, Osimhen has surpassed George Weah as the highest-scoring African in Serie A history.
