2025-26 Premier League Season Kicks Off with African Stars in Focus
The 2025-26 Premier League season begins on Friday, with Liverpool set to defend their title at home against Bournemouth.
Egyptian star Mohamed Salah, the reigning Player of the Season, aims to secure his fifth Golden Boot as he leads a revamped attacking lineup for the Reds, featuring high-profile signings Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz.
Several other African players have made significant transfers this season, with newcomers arriving from countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Morocco, Mozambique, and Senegal.
However, the participation of 50 players from the continent may be affected by the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will take place from December 21 to January 18.
BBC Sport Africa takes a closer look at some of these players who are settling into their new teams and aiming to make a mark in the coming months.
Can Mbeumo Restore United to Former Glories?
Cameroon international Bryan Mbeumo has made headlines after transferring to Manchester United for an initial fee of £65 million ($87 million), marking the largest deal involving an African player this offseason.
The 25-year-old forward, who scored 20 league goals and provided seven assists for Brentford last season, now faces the challenge of stepping up at what he describes as "the club of his dreams." United is in a rebuilding phase under manager Ruben Amorim, following their disappointing 15th place finish, the worst in their Premier League history.
Mbeumo will be under immediate pressure to perform alongside fellow high-profile signings Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, with the club investing £200 million ($271 million) in their attacking lineup, despite the absence of European football this season.
Known for his off-field passions for playing the piano and chess, Mbeumo will need to find his rhythm and execute his strategies effectively on the pitch.
Will Kudus Be the Ideal Replacement for Son?
Another significant transfer saw Mohammed Kudus leave West Ham after two years to join Tottenham Hotspur for £55 million ($74 million).
Although Kudus had a promising first season in London, his second was less impressive as he struggled to adapt to Graham Potter's wing-back system.
Having previously excelled at Ajax, the 24-year-old is expected to rediscover his form at Spurs, particularly with the allure of participating in the Champions League and playing under new coach Thomas Frank, who recently transitioned from Brentford.
Kudus expressed enthusiasm about Frank's track record in developing talent, stating, "From where [Frank] has come from, and seeing the amount of talent he has developed to become great players, it’s a big sign as to why I wanted to work under him." With the departure of Spurs legend Son Heung-Min and James Maddison likely sidelined for most of the season due to injury, Kudus could play a crucial role from the start.
Can Ait-Nouri Help City Rediscover Their Swagger?
After finishing third and ending the 2024-25 season without a major trophy, Manchester City is looking to mount a stronger title challenge this year.
The Etihad club has already secured left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri for £31 million ($41.5 million), and the 24-year-old has already participated in competitive matches since his transfer from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Ait-Nouri, who described his move as "a dream come true," started three games in the FIFA Club World Cup before City was eliminated in the Round of 16. Despite Wolves' struggles last season, Ait-Nouri was a significant attacking threat, scoring four goals and providing seven assists while occasionally playing in a more advanced position.
As he adapts to City's possession-based style, manager Pep Guardiola will be looking for Ait-Nouri to enhance his attacking contributions.
Six Bid for Survival on Wearside
Sunderland returns to the Premier League for the first time since 2017 and has been active in the transfer market, making 11 signings.
Notably, six of these new arrivals hail from Africa. The Black Cats made a club-record investment of £30 million ($40 million) for Senegal midfielder Habib Diarra, alongside DR Congo players Arthur Masuaku and Noah Sadiki, Mozambique defender Reinildo, and Moroccan winger Chemsdine Talbi.
Ivory Coast's AFCON winner Simon Adingra has also joined the squad after starting only 12 league matches for Brighton last season. As one of the few players in the Sunderland squad with Premier League experience, the 23-year-old winger is expected to translate his skills into points to help the team avoid an immediate return to the Championship.
More Moves to Follow...
While Kudus has left the London Stadium, West Ham has secured a new African player, acquiring El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague for £19 million ($25.5 million). Manager Potter has praised the 20-year-old Senegal wing-back as "hungry and ambitious," anticipating a positive addition to the squad.
DR Congo center-back Axel Tuanzebe is eager to avoid a second consecutive relegation after moving from Ipswich Town to Burnley. Additionally, teenage left-back Adam Aznou hopes to secure a spot in Everton's lineup during their inaugural season at their new stadium after joining from Bayern Munich.
With the transfer window open until Monday, September 1, more deals involving African players are expected. DR Congo star Yoane Wissa is seeking a move away from Brentford, while Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson has received clearance to leave Chelsea.