African transfer round-up: Maja returns to France as European moves gather pace

Josh Maja is set to return to French football with Le Havre after leaving West Bromwich Albion, while Zambia international Kings Kangwa is close to joining Panathinaikos in a busy day of transfer activity involving African players.

Maja, who spent three seasons at West Bromwich, is a free agent and is expected to sign a two-year contract with Le Havre, with an option for a further season, according to L’Equipe.

The Nigeria striker endured a difficult final campaign in England, scoring four goals in 40 appearances. He previously played for Girondins de Bordeaux.

Ghanaian teenager Rafiq Lamptey is leaving Millwall temporarily to join Chesterfield FC on a season-long loan. The 19-year-old will compete in the fourth tier of English football after his progress towards the Millwall first team was disrupted by a knee injury.

Lamptey had signed a long-term contract with Millwall but is now fit again. He impressed Chesterfield’s coaching staff during a successful trial, including a strong performance in a pre-season match against Irish club Bohemians last week.

Elsewhere, Al Taawoun have made an offer to Caykur Rizespor for Nigeria midfielder Ibrahim Olawoyin, according to Fisayo Dairo.

Olawoyin has only one year remaining on his contract, but Caykur Rizespor do not want to lose the player. The midfielder is interested in the sporting project offered by the Saudi club and remains open to a move, while continuing to maintain a professional commitment to his current team.

Kenya Under-20 international Joseph Bate has joined Nairobi United. The 20-year-old defender, who was previously captain of MOFA FC, is expected to add leadership, physical strength and versatility to his new side.

Bate is now a full member of the Nairobi United squad and will aim to bring his experience to the team.

Club Brugge forward Yanis Musuayi is preparing to move to Levante in La Liga after an impressive season with the Belgian club’s youth and reserve teams.

According to Boom Sports RDC, the 19-year-old Belgian-Congolese striker will sign a long-term contract in a deal worth an estimated €4m. Club Brugge will also receive a percentage of any future sale.

Musuayi had attracted interest from several European clubs, including FC Barcelona, Eintracht Frankfurt and a number of Portuguese sides. However, he and his representatives were ultimately persuaded by Levante’s sporting plans.

Gabon international Clench Loufilou is set to leave Iraqi club Al Mina’a for Saudi Arabian side Al Jandal, who are based in Dumat al-Jandal. His agent, Mvouedoum, told Gaboneco that the player will sign a two-year contract with an option for another season.

Another Gabonese player, Andre-Jordy Ella, has chosen to join Al Faisaly, the newly promoted Saudi Pro League club. The Gabon Under-23 international explained the personal and sporting reasons behind his decision in an interview with Gaboneco.

Morocco international Redouane Halhal is expected to join Venezia FC after the Italian club reached an agreement with Belgian side KV Mechelen.

Sacha Tavolieri reports that the transfer is worth about €5m, with financial bonuses and a percentage of any future resale included in the agreement. Halhal is expected in Italy within 48 hours for a medical before signing and the deal’s official announcement.

Venezia are also preparing to lose Ahmed Sidibe. The French-Senegalese central defender arrived in Portugal overnight to complete his move to Vitoria SC, according to journalist Sebastiao Sousa-Pinto.

Negotiations over the Primeira Liga transfer are at an advanced stage. Portuguese newspaper Record says only the final contractual details and a medical remain before the move can be confirmed.

Kevin Carlos could leave OGC Nice after just one season on the French Riviera, according to Tuttomercatoweb.

The 25-year-old striker made a modest contribution for Les Aiglons, scoring twice and providing one assist in 35 matches. Despite those figures, the Spanish forward of Nigerian heritage is attracting interest from several European clubs.

Cagliari, Venezia, Preston and Samsunspor are all monitoring his situation. Nice signed Carlos from FC Basel for €6m and he remains under contract until June 2030, but the club’s owners are willing to negotiate if a satisfactory offer is received.

In Greece, Kings Kangwa has arrived in Athens for a medical before completing his move to Panathinaikos, Sport24 reports.

The transfer is estimated to be worth about €4m and should result in the 27-year-old midfielder signing a long-term contract until 2030. Kangwa has already confirmed the end of his time with Hapoel Be’er Sheva by posting a farewell message on social media.

Mathys Tourraine has completed a permanent move from Paris FC to Pau FC. The club confirmed the transfer on its website, with the former Morocco Under-23 international signing a two-year deal in Ligue 2 BKT.

Tourraine joined Paris FC in the summer of 2024 and made 30 appearances during the memorable 2024-25 campaign in which the club secured promotion to the top flight. He subsequently spent time on loan at Rodez AF and Clermont Foot, where he had been playing since January. The 25-year-old will now continue his career in Bearn.

Mali international Coli Saco is leaving Napoli permanently to join Riga FC. The 24-year-old midfielder spent last season on loan at Casertana in Italy’s third division and is now set to experience a new league.

Riga FC, currently the runners-up in Latvia, agreed a deal with Napoli after making an offer understood to be worth €1m for the central midfielder, Africafoot reports.

Ivory Coast midfielder Yerime Ouattara has officially joined Blackburn Rovers after completing his development at Brentford.

The 18-year-old, who is highly regarded for his qualities in midfield, has signed a professional contract and will become the latest addition to Blackburn’s reserve team. The move represents an important new stage in his career as he attempts to establish himself at the Championship club.

Togo international Arnaud Komlavi is close to signing a two-year contract with Egyptian club Talae El Geish, according to 228foot.

The 24-year-old has completed his medical and, although Talae El Geish have yet to announce the transfer, the contract has been signed and he has already been training with the squad for several days.

Komlavi had also been wanted by other African clubs, including Algeria’s CS Constantine and Egyptian side Smouha SC. However, he opted for Talae El Geish, who had been leading the race for his signature for several days.