From Victor Osimhen to Serhou Guirassy – a look through Africa’s transfer window

Africa’s most high-profile transfer turned heads not only for its protracted nature but also because no-one expected Osimhen to end up in Turkey.

The smart money had been on a move to French giants Paris St-Germain, one of the big English Premier League clubs or Saudi Arabia.

In the end the cost of a permanent deal, time constraints and the acrimonious relationship between the player and Napoli led the 25-year-old to emulate his football hero Didier Drogba, who also spent a year at Galatasaray.

The one-year loan deal, however, feels like a sticking plaster.

The contract includes a mid-season break clause, should anyone offer a permanent transfer in January, while there is every chance Osimhen will find himself back to square one in Naples if he endures a disappointing campaign in Istanbul.

Africa’s player of year famously plays in a face mask, but has he seen a path that will guide him back to his best form long-term?

ADVERTISEMENT