African stars face race against time to secure new clubs before transfer window closes

With less than a week remaining before the 2026 summer transfer window closes in France, Italy, Germany, Spain and England, five high-profile African players are still without a confirmed new destination.

Yves Bissouma, Franck Kessie, Ismael Bennacer, Krepin Diatta and Bertrand Isidore Traore are all waiting for their next moves as clubs assess their options before the deadline. Former Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City player Alioune Toure discussed the situation in an exclusive interview with Africafoot.

Bissouma weighing up several options

Mali captain Yves Bissouma is available after a difficult final season with Tottenham. The 29-year-old midfielder is currently training with Fulham, who could look to reach an agreement with him.

Fulham are not the only club monitoring the player. Benfica Lisbon, Valencia, Celta Vigo, Trabzonspor and Besiktas have also shown interest in the Mali international.

Bissouma’s next move remains uncertain, but the number of clubs linked with him means he has several possible routes back into competitive football before the transfer window shuts.

Kessie wants a return to Europe

Franck Kessie joined Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli in the summer of 2023 after spells with Atalanta, Cesena, AC Milan and FC Barcelona. The 29-year-old has spent three seasons in the Saudi Pro League but is now keen to return to Europe.

Al Ahli are following developments closely with a view to a potential transfer, as previously reported exclusively by Africafoot. Al Ittihad have also put forward a substantial offer for the midfielder.

Despite that proposal, Kessie’s preferred destination is Juventus. Contacts have taken place between the player’s representatives and the Italian club’s leadership, although it remains to be seen whether a deal can be completed before the deadline.

Bennacer attracting interest in Qatar

Ismael Bennacer, who was named player of the tournament when Algeria won the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, is also searching for a new challenge.

The 28-year-old midfielder is without a contract and has attracted attention from Al Gharafa and Al Shamal SC. Al Gharafa’s interest was previously reported exclusively by Africafoot.

Bennacer’s experience in European football makes him one of the most notable free agents still available, but no agreement has yet been announced.

Diatta linked with clubs in Germany, France and England

Krepin Diatta is looking for a new club after reaching the end of his contract with AS Monaco. The Senegal international impressed at the 2026 World Cup and is now considering his options.

Bayer Leverkusen, Schalke 04 and Paris FC are among the clubs interested in the 27-year-old. Africafoot reports that Crystal Palace are also among the leading contenders to sign the player.

Diatta, known as the Lion of Casamance, could therefore have a choice between continuing in France, moving to Germany or taking up an opportunity in the Premier League.

Traore has no shortage of suitors

Burkina Faso captain Bertrand Isidore Traore is another experienced player available this summer. The 30-year-old became a free agent after a spell with Sunderland and has attracted interest from clubs across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

West Bromwich Albion, OGC Nice, FC Porto, Ajax, Trabzonspor, Al Shabab and Swehly are all reportedly interested in the winger.

Juventus have also been added to the list of potential destinations, according to Africafoot. With the transfer deadline approaching, Traore’s wide range of admirers could lead to a late agreement.