African transfer news: Ibrahima Diaby joins Al Ahli as Axel Kouame move collapses

Ibrahima Diaby has completed a €12m move from Cercle Bruges to Al Ahli, while Axel Kouame’s proposed transfer from AIK to Al Ettifaq has collapsed over salary demands, according to reports. The developments were among the main stories in Africafoot’s African football news feed on 7 September 2026.

Diaby, a 19-year-old defensive midfielder, has agreed a contract with Al Ahli until 2030, with the Saudi Pro League club holding an option to extend the deal by a further year.

The France-born Guinea international joined Cercle Bruges on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain last summer and made 28 appearances in all competitions during his only season in Belgium, scoring twice and providing two assists. His departure makes him the second-biggest sale in the history of the Bruges club.

Kouame, meanwhile, now appears set to remain at AIK after Al Ettifaq cancelled a deal that had been agreed with the Swedish club. AIK had accepted an offer worth 40m Swedish kronor, approximately €3.7m, but Expressen reports that the representatives of the player made salary demands considered too high by the Saudi side.

Transfers across Europe

French-Ivorian central defender Yllan Okou will stay with RAAL La Louviere despite strong interest from England and elsewhere in Europe.

The 23-year-old had attracted attention from Amedspor and several clubs competing in European competitions, according to Sacha Tavolieri. Wolverhampton also pursued the player and watched him during RAAL La Louviere’s match against Standard de Liege in mid-August. An unnamed Spanish top-flight club was also monitoring the defender.

However, the move to the Championship club fell through in the final hours of the transfer window because Wolverhampton could not create space in its defence. Okou then rejected a late alternative and chose to continue playing in Belgium.

Ghanaian forward Jesurun Rak-Sakyi has joined Kasımpasa on a season-long loan from Crystal Palace. The 23-year-old moved to the Super Lig club in the closing hours of the Turkish transfer window, with no purchase option included. Turkish-based agent Gorkem Demir told Footy-Africa that negotiations had lasted 15 intense days. He said one of the main difficulties had been persuading those close to the Ghanaian forward to accept the Istanbul club’s project.

Nigerian midfielder Samson Tijani has moved to FK Zeleziarne Podbrezova on loan. The agreement includes the possibility of a permanent two-year contract at the end of the season if certain conditions are met, according to Footy-Africa.

Tijani was released by Red Bull Salzburg before joining Dukla Prague in June 2025. He will now continue his career in the Slovakian top flight.

Al Qadsiah have completed the signing of Nigerian winger Sani Suleiman from Leipzig for €8m, German journalist Philipp Hinze reports. The 20-year-old did not make a first-team appearance for RBL, allowing Leipzig to record a net financial profit on the sale. Suleiman has agreed an initial three-year contract, with an additional 12-month option, and the clubs are expected to announce the transfer shortly.

Ghanaian striker Yassin Mohammed has joined KAA La Gantoise on loan from Malmo FF for one season. The 19-year-old, who was developed at WAFA Academy, impressed during a loan spell with BK Olympic in 2025/26 and will now have the chance to gain experience in the Belgian top flight.

Zambian forward Edward Chilufya has moved from FC Midtjylland to Hapoel Jerusalem on loan for the remainder of the season. The Israeli club finished 13th in Ligat Ha’Al last term.

Chilufya has been under contract with FC Midtjylland since 2022 and has made 116 appearances, scoring 13 goals and supplying 12 assists. Sporting director Kristian Bach Bak said those figures, combined with limited playing time and competition in attack, made the loan an opportunity for the player to increase his minutes.

Gambian striker Modou Lamin Marong has signed permanently for ETO FC Gyor from Slovakian second-tier side STK Samorin. He has agreed a contract running until 2029 after an impressive season in Slovakia attracted the attention of several scouts.

His agent, Cherno Samba, told Footy-Africa that the move matched Marong’s development, highlighting his prolific form at Samorin and the Hungarian champions’ experience in European competitions. Samba also described the player as hard-working and humble, saying he had the qualities of a genuine number nine capable of scoring regularly.

Further moves

Algerian midfielder Houssem Mrezigue is expected to extend his stay with Dynamo Makhachkala, despite being linked with a move throughout the summer. His agent, Abderrahmane Zitouni, told Maghreb-Foot that a contract extension should be completed in the coming days.

The news comes as the Russian club reshapes its squad. Mohamed Azzi has joined CSKA Moscow, while Diaa Eddine Mechid returned to Najm Ben Aknoun after a brief spell. Mrezigue, formerly of CR Belouizdad, has established himself as an important member of Dynamo Makhachkala’s midfield and had attracted interest from several European clubs.

Vando Felix has left Vitoria Guimaraes SC to join SC Uniao Torreense in Liga Portugal 2. The 22-year-old Guinea-Bissau international, restricted by competition for places, has signed a four-year contract running until the summer of 2030.

Ivory Coast full-back Ismael Diallo has also moved to Portugal after leaving Hajduk Split and the Croatian league. He has signed a one-year deal with FC Vizela, including an option for another season, as the second-tier club strengthen their left side.

In Sweden, 18-year-old Somali-born midfielder Abdirahim Abdulle has signed his first professional contract with Djurgarden. He will spend the autumn playing in Ettan Norra with FC Jarfalla under an approved dual-registration agreement, while continuing to train with Djurgarden’s senior squad.

Finally, Nigerian striker Miracle Okoroakpa has left Right 2 Win FC in Abia State to join SJK Seinajoki in Finland. His initial involvement will be with reserve side SJK Akatemia, where he is expected to adapt to European football before attempting to establish himself in the Finnish top flight.