Transfer market: the big winners and the missed opportunities of the summer

The winners

Yan Diomandé, from dream to Real Madrid

At just 19 years old, Yan Diomandé has transformed in just a few months. Revealed in the colors of RB Leipzig, the Ivorian winger had an outstanding season. His performances, followed up with an impressive World Cup with Côte d’Ivoire, finally convinced Real Madrid.

The Madrid club went big for the young Ivorian, with a transfer fee that could reach record amounts. An operation that illustrates the trust placed in a player who quickly established himself as one of the great talents of the new African generation. In one year, Diomandé has gone from promising young prospect to Real Madrid's XXL recruit. It’s hard to imagine a more spectacular rise.

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Nicolas Jackson reunited with Unai Emery

This summer could have been complicated for Nicolas Jackson. After a season on loan at Bayern Munich, the Senegalese striker returned to Chelsea with no real place in Xabi Alonso’s plans. He ultimately found a particularly ambitious exit. Aston Villa shelled out up to 75 million euros to secure his services. Above all, Jackson reunites with Unai Emery, the coach who first brought him to the highest level at Villarreal. Under the Spanish coach's orders, the Senegalese really exploded in La Liga before joining Chelsea. At 25, Jackson now has another chance to establish himself for the long-term in the Premier League.

Ismael Saibari, Bayern rewards his progress

After several good seasons at PSV Eindhoven, Ismael Saibari has taken a major step by joining Bayern Munich. The Moroccan international had also just made an impression with the Atlas Lions at the World Cup, where he was one of the main offensive threats for his national team. His performances in the Netherlands and internationally ended up convincing the German giant. Saibari didn't take long to make an impact either. In his very first Bundesliga match, the Moroccan made an impressive debut by providing two assists. A first outing that already lives up to expectations.

Iliman Ndiaye, the big leap to Manchester City

For Iliman Ndiaye, this transfer window is all about moving up a level. At 26, the Senegalese international leaves Everton to join Manchester City. After Sheffield United, Marseille, and then Everton, the Senegalese makes another leap, joining one of Europe's most ambitious clubs and a regular Premier League title contender. His attacking versatility and experience in the English league convinced Manchester City to bet on him. For Ndiaye, it’s also a reward for his steady progress since breaking through at Sheffield United.

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Bazoumana Touré, Newcastle bets on youth

At just 20 years old, Bazoumana Touré has also stepped up to a new level. The Ivorian winger leaves Hoffenheim to join Newcastle, who have invested heavily in the young international. Already noticed in Sweden and then in the Bundesliga, Touré also stood out with Côte d’Ivoire at the World Cup. Newcastle sees him as a player with huge potential, capable of becoming a key part of their project in the coming years. For the young Ivorian, this transfer is another major step in a particularly rapid rise.

Ibrahim Mbaye, finally a way out at PSG

Ibrahim Mbaye was one of the most closely watched young African talents this summer. Despite making his professional debut at PSG, the Senegalese striker struggled for enough playing time to truly launch his career. Aston Villa eventually made a big investment in him with a 55 million euro transfer. At only 18, Mbaye heads to the Premier League with high expectations. Above all, this change of club should allow him to get more playing time and to take the next step in his development.

Aubameyang, the winning bet on experience

At 37, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang continues to push the boundaries. After leaving Marseille, the Gabonese striker joined Deportivo La Corogne, newly promoted to La Liga. And he has already made a very convincing start to the season. Aubameyang has scored three goals since beginning his campaign in Spain. A decision that could have looked risky now appears, at least for the moment, to be a true success. The Gabonese star’s experience remains a formidable weapon.

Read also : Top 10 most expensive African players in history

The losers

Lamine Camara, the big missed opportunity

This is probably one of the biggest frustrations for an African player in this transfer window. At 22, Lamine Camara thought he had found the club to help him take the next step. Monaco and Chelsea had reached an agreement for his transfer, estimated at 55 million euros. The Senegalese midfielder was headed to London and everything seemed in place for the move.

But in the final hours of the transfer window, Monaco ultimately cancelled the deal. This decision put an end to the transfer and doomed Camara to remain on the Rock. The Senegalese will now have to wait another season before he can try again. A huge disappointment for a player who thought he had finally found his gateway to a European top club.

Ismaïla Sarr, Liverpool will have to wait

Ismaïla Sarr also endured a particularly frustrating end to the transfer window. The Senegalese winger was supposed to join Liverpool, who had targeted him to bolster their attack. The timing was right since the Reds were considering his arrival after Cody Gakpo's departure to Manchester City.

Sarr pushed to join Anfield and even tried to force his way out of Crystal Palace. But the London club refused to release him. Liverpool was ultimately forced to give up and the Senegalese international stayed at Palace. At 28, after an impressive season and a successful World Cup, Sarr will have to continue his adventure with the Eagles, surely with the feeling of having missed a major opportunity.

Pape Gueye, another summer without a big move

Pape Gueye was coming off a fine season with Villarreal. The Senegalese midfielder hoped this summer would mark a turning point in his career. He scored the goal that gave Senegal victory in the CAN final on the pitch, now awaiting the decision from CAS. Gueye hoped to use his good season in La Liga and his performances with the Lions to join a more ambitious club. It was not to be. The Senegalese remains at Villarreal. While that continuity isn't necessarily a bad thing for his sporting career, it still represents a missed opportunity for someone looking to step up this summer.

Krépin Diatta, still without a club

Krépin Diatta’s case is even more concerning. After leaving Monaco, the Senegalese international finds himself without a club at the close of the transfer window. At 27, this situation is a serious setback for a player who had several experiences at the highest European levels. Diatta will now have to find a new destination to revive his career. Unlike players still under contract, he can however still sign for a team after the transfer window closes under certain conditions.

The transfer window is now over. For the winners, a new story begins. For the losers, frustration will need to turn into motivation.