Football is big busines; and the summer transfer window is its biggest market.
Summer transfers can be a very frustrating and usually drags into the start of several of Europe’s big leagues. Dominated by gossip and speculation, it is hard to keep up with ongoings as agents, player representatives and club executives go back and forth to seal the best football and monetary deals for their clients. African footballers have not been left out as some of them have topped ‘most wanted’ lists across Europe’s biggest leagues. While some have made moves and others are still negotiating moves, we present Africa’s Summer Transfer Window Fantasy Team comprising African football stars who have made or are about to make multi-million pound moves this summer.
GK: Itemeleng Khune, South Africa
Sadly, African goalies are not the most in-demand footballers in the world. However, if anyone deserves a move, perhaps its Kaizer Chiefs stopper Itumeleng Khune who is rated by many as the best goalkeeper in Africa. After leading Chiefs to a domestic double, including their first league title in 8 years, it may be time for Khune to test himself outside the continent. It remains to be seen if the charismatic goalkeeper is on the lists of any scouts and managers in Europe.
RB: Mehid Benatia, Morocco
Benatia, a Moroccan international, sealed a €13.5 million ($18 million) move from Udinese to Roma after an impressive few months at Udinese. The Rome club captured the signing of the 26 year old amid competition from other clubs and will hope that his inclusion in the squAd will boost their chances of qualifying for European competitions in the coming season after a disappointing campaign last year.
CB: Kolo Toure, Ivory Coast
Kolo Toure had endured a topsy-turvy time at Manchester City with whom he won the league title in 2012 before sealing a free transfer to well funded Liverpool. Although Toure is expected to have taken a cut on his hefty weekly salary while at City, the Ivorian defender no doubt pocketed a sizeable sign-on fee.
CB: Godfrey Obaobona, Nigeria
Having played an immense role in Nigeria’s title winning AFCON 2013 campaign, many expected Godfrey Oboabona’s move to Europe to happen before the end of the transfer window. With his commanding performances at the recently concluded Confederations Cup against world famous strikers like Suarez, Cavani and Villa, Oboabona’s suitors are increasing by the minute. His current club, Sunshine Stars revealed interest from French club, Lille, fueling speculations on Oboabona’s impending move to Europe.
LB: Taye Taiwo, Nigeria
Taye Taiwo’s famous left foot shot has not been seen in recent times. The powerful left back has beeing plying his trade in icy Dynamo Kiev, away from the spotlight. However, Taiwo sealed a move to Turkish side Buraspor this summer, as he hopes to rejuvenate his career. He may have had a difficult few years after spells at AC Milan, QPR and Dynamo Kiev, but many believe the former Lobi Stars full back has still got that thunderous left foot shot as an asset.
CM: Mikel Obi, Nigeria
Mikel’s inspiring showing at the Confederations Cup may have reminded the world of his ability against the best as two of Europe’s biggest clubs- Monaco and Galatasaray are lining up for his signature. With a fee of €15 million ($20 million) in the papers, Mikel’s Chelsea adventure may have come to an end. On a more personal note, the question of his final destination still needs to be answered as Galatasaray and Monaco have shown their ability to attract world-class players of recent. However, in financial terms, Monaco’s status as a tax free haven may swing it in its club’s favour.
DM: Victor Wanyama, Kenya
Very few clubs make Barcelona suffer but Scottish champions Celtic did not only do that, they went a step further, stealing a famous win off the Spanish giants. Sadly for the scots, the man who scored one of their goals and arguably their best player last season, Victor Wanyama is off to Southampton in a deal valued at £12 million ($18.4 million). Wanyama, having conquered one British country will be looking to conquer another.
CM: Younes Belhanda, Morocco
Belhanda was a central figure as Montpellier stunned France to win the Ligue 1 title in 2011/2012 season. Ever since, the young forward has been tipped to make a move to a bigger team and he finally has. Joining Ukranian powerhouse Dynamo Kiev for a fee believed to be around €10 million ($13.2 million), Belhanda will get the chance to steadily play in the UEFA Champions League. Many have discredited his decision to move to Ukraine saying that he could have joined one of Europe’s bigger teams but perhaps the appeal of steady game time influenced the young Moroccan’s decisions.
F: Pierre Erick Aubameyang, Gabon
The darling of Gabonese football has always seemed destined for the big leagues after impressive showings in the French Ligue 1 over the last few years and having signed for Champions League finalists Borrusia Dortmund on a five year deal worth €13 million ($17.2 million), the striker seems ready to play to with the big boys. As Aubameyang has taken the step up, Gabon and the rest of Africa will be hoping he can keep up.
F: Wilfired Bony, Ivory Coast
Becoming top scorer in an European league and outscoring everyone else bar Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo is a shortcut to putting yourself in the shop window and Wilfried Bony’s €14 million ($18.5 million) move to Swansea from Vitesse is hardly a surprise. The sharp finisher tore defences apart in the Netherlands and is set to cause Premiership defences a worry, or two.
F: Arouna Kone, Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast striker, Arouna Kone rejoined former Wigan boss at Everton for £5 million ($7.6 million). Having emerged Wigan’s top scorer with 11 goals last season, Kone was always assured of a move to a Premiership club after Wigan’s relegation and as far as situations go, playing under a boss who know you well is better than most.
