African football transfer news: Mbe Soh set for Prague switch as Okoli weighs Italy return

Africafoot’s live round-up of African football news on 24 August 2026 features Loic Mbe Soh’s impending move to Sparta Prague, interest in Leicester City defender Caleb Okoli from Serie A, and several completed transfers involving players from Nigeria, Cameroon, Angola and Mali.

Sparta Prague are close to completing the signing of Loic Mbe Soh from Belgian club Saint-Trond, with the transfer understood to be worth about €3m.

The Czech club have reached a verbal agreement with Saint-Trond as they look to replace Asger Sorensen. Mbe Soh, 25, has also agreed the terms of his contract with Sparta Prague.

The French-Cameroonian central defender was absent from training on Sunday and is expected in Prague for a medical before the transfer can be formally completed, according to InFotbal.

Okoli attracting Serie A interest

Two years after joining Leicester City in July 2024, Caleb Okoli is considering a possible return to Italy, with Cagliari monitoring his situation, according to transfer reporter Nicolo Schira.

The 25-year-old Italian-Nigerian defender is under contract with the English club until 2029 and remains highly regarded in Serie A. Cagliari have shown concrete interest, while another Italian club is also following the player.

Okoli’s name has previously been linked with Torino, Monza and AC Milan, underlining his continued reputation in the Italian market.

Dennis completes move to Al Jazira

Nigerian midfielder Anthony Dennis will continue his career in the United Arab Emirates after Goztepe confirmed his permanent transfer to Al Jazira.

The deal is valued at €5m. Dennis, 22, joined the Turkish club during the 2022-23 season from HB Abuja in Nigeria, but will now begin a new chapter in a different league.

Messi Bouli remains in India

Former Cameroon international Raphael Messi Bouli will stay in the Indian top flight after joining Punjab FC.

The 34-year-old striker was a free agent following the end of his spell with Jamshedpur FC. Punjab FC have confirmed that Messi Bouli has signed a one-year contract and will remain with the club until 2027.

The move allows him to continue his career in India, where he is preparing to represent a fourth different team since arriving in the country’s league.

Samuel Pedro moves to Latvia

Samuel Pedro has left the United Arab Emirates’ first division and United FC to join Riga FC in Latvia’s top flight.

The Portuguese winger of Angolan descent began his development in Portugal, spending time with Boavista before joining the Benfica academy. He later built up experience in a range of leagues outside the country.

Pedro made his debut in European competitions with Olimpija Ljubljana before impressing in Norway’s second division at Jerv. He joined Dubai United, a partner club of FC Riga, at the start of 2023.

During his time there, the 25-year-old attacker ranked among the league’s leading scorers and helped his side finish second and secure promotion to the top division.

Maiga signs for AS Douanes

Malian midfielder Sekou Mahamane Maiga has left Universite Football Club de Bamako to join AS Douanes in Burkina Faso’s top flight.

The 23-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the elite club. He was named the best player in Mali’s third division for the 2025-26 season after making a significant contribution to his boyhood club’s promotion to the second tier.

Maiga’s move comes as he continues a strong period of progress in his career.