African transfer latest: Guiagon nears Saudi move as Mbambi and Ahoka secure key steps

Africafoot’s African transfer news feed on 22 August 2026 is led by progress on three deals involving Parfait Guiagon, Jediael Mbambi and Jules Ahoka.

Parfait Guiagon is close to completing a move to Saudi Arabian club Al Taawoun after several days of negotiations between Charleroi and the Saudi side. The Ivory Coast international has already agreed personal terms on a three-year contract, according to Sacha Tavolieri.

Guiagon has been away from Charleroi’s first-team set-up since the club’s match against OH Leuven. His future now appears to be settled after the two clubs reached a compromise over the transfer.

Only the final details remain to be resolved before the deal is formally completed. Once those points are settled, Guiagon will continue his career in Saudi Arabia with Al Taawoun.

The agreement represents the latest stage in a transfer process that had required intense discussions between the clubs. With the main terms now in place, the move is expected to be concluded shortly.

Elsewhere, 17-year-old defender Jediael Mbambi has signed his first professional contract with AS Saint-Etienne, keeping him at the club until 2029.

Mbambi joined AS Saint-Etienne this summer from Royal Antwerp. The Belgium-based defender, who is also eligible to represent the Democratic Republic of the Congo, began his development at KV Mechelen before moving to Antwerp at the age of 10.

His arrival is intended to strengthen AS Saint-Etienne’s academy. Mbambi is expected to play primarily for the club’s reserve side in National 2, but he has already been given exposure to senior football during the early stages of pre-season.

The young defender took part in the pre-season camp in Divonne-les-Bains and has also trained with the first team managed by Ian Cathro. His professional contract marks an important step in his development after his move from Royal Antwerp.

A separate transfer involving Royal Antwerp has also reached its conclusion, with Jules Ahoka set to join Sunderland in a deal worth a total of 10 million euros, according to Sacha Tavolieri.

The Congolese Under-23 international is due to travel this weekend to complete the first part of his medical examination. Provided the remaining formalities are completed, the 20-year-old will then sign a five-year contract with the English club.

Sunderland view Ahoka as the ideal understudy to Granit Xhaka. His move brings an end to the negotiations with Royal Antwerp and adds another young talent to the British club’s squad.

The three developments form part of Africafoot’s live coverage of transfer rumours and confirmed moves involving African players during the summer transfer window.