Senegal’s transfer boom: Ndiaye, Jackson and Mbaye lead five major summer moves

Senegal’s leading footballers have been at the centre of a major European transfer window, with Iliman Ndiaye, Nicolas Jackson, Ibrahim Mbaye, El Hadji Malick Diouf and Bara Sapoko Ndiaye all completing significant moves.

The five transfers have involved fees ranging from €3.5m to €76m, with several hundred million euros committed to the movement of the Senegalese players. Mohamed Adama Sarr, a former AC Milan player, told Africafoot he was proud to see major clubs competing to sign Senegal internationals.

Ndiaye makes Manchester City move

The biggest transfer involved 26-year-old Senegal international Iliman Ndiaye, who has joined Manchester City after rediscovering his best form during recent seasons with Everton.

The versatile right winger’s move is valued at €76m. It represents a new challenge for the former Sheffield United striker, who has made 68 Premier League appearances, scoring 15 goals and providing four assists.

According to exclusive information reported by Africafoot, Ndiaye had also attracted interest from Tottenham and Al Hilal before choosing Manchester City.

Sarr highlighted Ndiaye’s progress and the scale of his move as part of a wider rise in the profile of Senegalese players in the European market.

Jackson leaves Chelsea for Aston Villa

Nicolas Jackson has made a permanent departure from Chelsea after spending last season on loan at Bayern Munich.

The Senegal international centre-forward has signed a five-year contract with Aston Villa in a deal worth €75m. His arrival forms part of a reshaping of Villa’s attacking options.

Villa manager Unai Emery already knows Jackson, having worked with him during the player’s time at Villarreal. That previous relationship is an important part of the context surrounding the transfer.

Sarr also gave his assessment of Jackson’s move, which ranks among the most expensive transfers involving an African player during the 2026 summer window.

Mbaye joins Villa after PSG success

Aston Villa have also signed 18-year-old Senegal international right winger Ibrahim Mbaye from Paris Saint-Germain for €55m.

Mbaye leaves PSG after winning two UEFA Champions League titles and the French championship, despite his young age. His decision came amid interest from several leading European clubs, including Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool.

The move gives Aston Villa another Senegalese attacking player while adding a teenager with significant experience of success at PSG to their squad.

Sarr offered his view on the transfer, while Abdoulaye Soumano analysed the challenge awaiting Mbaye in the Premier League.

Diouf switches West Ham for Brentford

El Hadji Malick Diouf has joined Brentford after an impressive individual season at West Ham, even though the club were relegated to the Championship.

The 21-year-old Senegal international is a versatile left-back who recorded four assists in 33 appearances. He has signed a five-year deal with Brentford, who have strengthened their squad considerably during the summer.

The transfer fee is estimated at €40m. Sarr discussed Diouf’s decision and expressed hope for the player’s development in his new surroundings.

Bayern keep Bara Sapoko Ndiaye

Bayern Munich have exercised their option to sign Senegal international midfielder Bara Sapoko Ndiaye permanently from Gambinos Stars Africa, a Gambian academy based in Banjul.

The 18-year-old had been on loan until the end of the season and will now continue his career in Germany. He played for the Lions at the most recent World Cup in America.

Bayern paid €3.5m for the young prospect from Mekke, who has agreed a five-year contract with the Bavarian club. His journey from Louga to the Allianz Arena in Munich has been described as a dream rise.

Mohamed Adama Sarr also explained his thoughts on Ndiaye’s move, completing his assessment of five major transfers involving Senegalese players.