Cedric Kante picks out five deals shaping the summer transfer window

The summer transfer window may be approaching its conclusion, but many of its biggest moves were completed well before the final days. Former Mali captain and Canal+ consultant Cedric Kante has highlighted five transfers involving Carlos Baleba, Ousmane Diomande, Mamadou Sangare, Omar Marmoush and Fiston Mayele.

The selections cover significant moves across the Premier League, Ligue 1 and European football, with several of the players involved in high-value transfers or major loan agreements.

Baleba joins Manchester United

Carlos Baleba’s move to Manchester United had been anticipated for several months before it was completed.

The Cameroon international, 22, has won 16 caps and left Brighton to sign a five-year contract with the Red Devils. Manchester United paid £80m for the midfielder, bringing an end to his time at the Premier League club.

Baleba had established himself as an important player in England before securing his move to Old Trafford. Kante included the transfer among the five deals he chose to discuss.

Diomande moves to Nottingham Forest

Ivory Coast centre-back Ousmane Diomande has also made a major move within England after joining Nottingham Forest.

The 22-year-old, who has earned 15 international caps, signed a contract running until 30 June 2030. Nottingham Forest paid €40m to Sporting Lisbon for the defender, who first emerged at the Portuguese club.

Forest are two-time winners of the European Cup, having lifted the trophy in 1979 and 1980. Diomande’s reputation had grown considerably in England before the transfer was completed, making his move another of the deals considered by Kante.

Sangare leaves Lens for Brentford

Mamadou Sangare spent only one season at Lens but made a strong impression during his time in France.

The Mali midfielder, 22, has 16 international caps and helped Lens win the Coupe de France while finishing second in Ligue 1. His performances persuaded Brentford to pay €48m to take him to the Premier League.

Sangare’s move represents one of the most substantial fees among the five transfers selected by Kante. It also brings the player into the English top flight after a single campaign at Lens.

Marmoush gets chance at Tottenham

Omar Marmoush has left Manchester City temporarily after struggling to establish himself at the club.

The Egypt forward joined City from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2024, but he has not managed to secure a regular place in the Citizens’ team. He will spend the rest of the season on loan at Tottenham.

Tottenham are also seeking a response after a particularly difficult 2025/26 season. Marmoush’s temporary move therefore gives him an opportunity to revive his career while joining a club attempting to recover from its own disappointing campaign.

Mayele signs for Al Ahli

Fiston Mayele has moved to Libya after a successful spell with Pyramids FC, where he won the Champions League in 2025.

The Democratic Republic of Congo striker, 32, has made 38 international appearances and signed a two-year contract with Al Ahli. He joined the Libyan club as a free agent and is set to earn €8.6m, excluding bonuses, during his time in Tripoli.

Kante’s five choices therefore include permanent transfers, a loan move and a free transfer, with deals ranging from Baleba’s €80m switch to Mayele’s move to Al Ahli.