Top 10 African youngsters who could move on deadline day

 

10. Moses Simon: Over the last few months, Nigerian prodigy Moses Simon has been linked to Premier League pair Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. Genk have made it clear that the youngster—who only moved to the Belgian side in January—is not for sale, but the Premier League may have the finances to force the issue over the coming days. Would Simon be wise to consider a switch to one of the EPL heavyweights, or should he stick it out with Champions League contenders Genk?

9. Michael Olunga: The Gor Mahia forward—nicknamed the ‘Engineer’—has become one of the darlings of Kenyan football for both his goalscoring and his industry in attack. His form has prompted interest from South African side Bidvest Wits, who are understood to be keen on the 21-year-old. Olunga remains a raw talent, but having already outgrown Kenyan football, he looks set for an exit. Will Wits get their man, or will another side seek to snare the Engineer for themselves? 

8. Bertrand Traore: Chelsea talent Bertrand Traore has been tipped for a first-team role for the Pensioners by Jose Mourinho, after impressing in pre-season. The Portuguese coach is clearly a fan of the Burkinabe international, but competition is fierce at Stamford Bridge and it’s hard to see where Traore fits in, particularly following the arrival of Pedro and the emergence of Kennedy. Might another loan move be in the offing for the talented West African?

7. Sofiane Boufal: Glittering forward Sofiane Boufal has been one of the stars of the Ligue 1 season so far, despite LOSC Lille’s muted start to the campaign. The Franco-Moroccan hitman scored Les Dogues’ first goal of the season in their weekend victory over Gazelec Ajaccio, and Tottenham are understood to be considering the forward as a solution to their offensive deficiencies. However, surely Herve Renard would be loath to lose his star man.

6. Hervin Ongenda: 20-year-old Paris Saint-Germain forward Ongenda spent last season on loan at SC Bastia in order to get the first-team experience need to establish himself in Laurent Blanc’s starting XI. However, he looks no closer to making the breakthrough in the French capital, and should be available for another loan deal. The French U21 international recently threw his hat into the rink with the DR Congo and may be recruited on loan by Lille, particularly should Boufal leave for pastures new. 

5. Daniel Amartey: Over the last few weeks, Ghana international Daniel Amartey had been tipped for a move to Premier League side Leicester City, where he would have played alongside international teammate Jeff Schlupp. However, the FA have informed the Foxes that the versatile defensive player would not be granted a work permit, and he remains at Kobenhavn. Marseille have also been linked to the 20-year-old.

4. Saido Berahino: The Anglo-Burundian West Bromwich Albion hitman has been dropped for the Baggies’ last two Premier League matches by coach Tony Pullis with the player apparently distracted by the ongoing transfer speculation concerning his future. Tottenham Hotspur are understood to be very interested in the 22-year-old, but having already signed Clinton N’Jie and Son Heung-Min, do they need another forward?

3. Keita: Lazio ‘sensation’ Keita Balde—who is eligible for both Senegal and Spain—has been hotly tipped for a move away from the Italian capital this summer after a series of sizzling displays. Liverpool have been linked to his signature, although Bayer Leverkusen—who can offer Champions League football—are also keen to acquire the 20-year-old to bolster their forward line.

2. Mario Lemina: The exodus from Marseille doesn’t look to have ended just yet. Having already lost Giannelli Imbula, Andre Ayew, Andre-Pierre Gignac, Dimitri Payet and coach Marcelo Bielsa, the club may also be preparing them for the departure of Mario Lemina. Juventus are keen on the dynamic midfielder and after having had a £7.9m offer for the youngster rejected, are set to return with an improved bid.

1. Frank Acheampong: Unlike many of his compatriots tipped for moves this summer, Ghana wideman Frank Acheampong is yet to secure a transfer. The Belgium-based forward has been told he can’t expect to be a regular starter at Anderlecht this term, and the domestic heavyweights would accept a bid of 3 million Euros. This would represent a bargain for a Marseille side needing a rebuild and who are known to be monitoring the Black Star.