Which African stars could be on the verge of a high-profile move as a result of their performances in Qatar?
Mohammed Kudus
Kudus has had an incredible season at Ajax, going from a disgruntled substitute to a key player and now one of Africa’s World Cup stars.
He’s already scored ten goals this season and impressed in Qatar, despite Ghana’s elimination in the first round.
While he was linked with a move to Everton on transfer deadline day, will clubs higher up the food chain now come calling?
Sofyan Amrabat
Amrabat, one of the tournament’s standout stars, won many fans with his tenacious work in the park for Morocco.
He was a master of backline protection, ensuring the Atlas Lions maintained their shape and structure, relieving pressure on those behind him, and proactively launching attacks.
His full-blooded tackle on Kylian Mbappe in the semi-final was one of the tournament’s highlights, and major European clubs will undoubtedly be looking at the Fiorentina man.
Could Liverpool, which is in desperate need of a midfield overhaul, consider signing the 26-year-old?
Azzedine Ounahi
Ounahi, another Moroccan midfield star, rarely looked like he was playing for a team that was languishing in 20th place in the French top flight.
At this rate, the 22-year-old won’t be at Angers for much longer, as his performances in the heart of the park in Qatar have earned him many fans, including Spain boss Luis Enrique, who was impressed by the youngster’s performance in La Roja’s defeat.
Leeds United and Leicester City have been linked with the Casablanca-born player, with a fee of £40 million being suggested.
Aissa Laidouni
Tunisia’s group stage campaign was inspired by Aissa Laidouni, who set the tone for the Carthage Eagles with his committed and combative displays.
Before the tournament, he had clearly outgrown Ferencvaros and the Hungarian top flight, and his performances in Qatar will have alerted bigger European clubs.
Celtic have been heavily linked with his signature, while clubs in England, Germany, and France will also be keeping an eye on the situation as the January transfer window approaches.
Souaibou Marou
Orlando Pirates have been heavily linked with a move for Cameroon forward Souaibou, one of the Indomitable Lions’ two home-based players in the World Cup squad.
The attacker set up Vincent Aboubakar for Cameroon’s winner against Brazil, and the Buccaneers appear to be in pole position to sign him from Coton Sport.
A 3.5 million Rand deal appeared to be in the works, but it is now in jeopardy after the player’s agent, Mike Makaab, chastised the Garoua-based heavyweights for leaking details of the deal.
Could the Pirates still land the talented Cameroonian wideman, or will another club pounce?
Ismaila Sarr
Wideman Sarr had the unenviable task of replacing Sadio Mane for Senegal during their World Cup campaign, after the Bayern Munich superstar suffered an untimely injury.
While he only scored once (in a 2-1 win over Ecuador), Sarr showed off his pace, dribbling ability, and ability to unsettle defenses in the final third.
Will it finally be enough to entice him away from Watford?
Everton are one club said to be interested in the winger during the January transfer window, but will the Hornets be willing to sell one of their most prized assets?
