African club football has grown into a competitive and financially strong market in recent years, with some clubs investing heavily to attract marquee names and strengthen their squads.
Egypt’s Al Ahly SC and Pyramids FC, along with South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, have consistently led the way in breaking transfer records on the continent.
Here are the Top 10 most expensive signings in African club football history:
1. Keno (Brazil) – €8.0M – Pyramids FC
In 2018, Brazilian winger Keno became the most expensive signing in African club football history when Pyramids FC splashed out €8 million to lure him from Palmeiras. His flair, dribbling, and attacking spark transformed Pyramids into serious contenders in the Egyptian Premier League.
2. Ramadan Sobhi (Egypt) – €5.0M – Pyramids FC
Former Stoke City and Huddersfield winger Ramadan Sobhi stunned Egyptian football when he turned down a permanent stay at Al Ahly to join rivals Pyramids FC in 2020 for €5 million. The deal signaled Pyramids’ ambition to compete with Africa’s elite.
3. Hussein El Shahat (Egypt) – €4.35M – Al Ahly SC
Signed from Al Ain in 2019, Hussein El Shahat cost Al Ahly €4.35 million, making him one of their priciest acquisitions. Known for his versatility and creativity, he has since been a key figure in Al Ahly’s domestic and continental triumphs.
4. Arthur Sales (Brazil) – €3.2M – Mamelodi Sundowns
South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns showed their financial muscle by signing Arthur Sales from Lommel SK in 2023 for €3.2 million. The Brazilian forward added depth to a squad already rich in attacking talent.
5. Marcelo Allende (Chile) – €2.9M – Mamelodi Sundowns
Another statement signing by Sundowns, Marcelo Allende arrived in 2022 from Uruguay’s Montevideo City Torque for €2.9 million. The Chilean midfielder brought technical brilliance and playmaking vision to the team’s midfield.
6. Emam Ashour (Egypt) – €2.68M – Al Ahly SC
Al Ahly made headlines in 2023 by securing Emam Ashour from Midtjylland in Denmark for €2.68 million. At just 25, Ashour represents the new generation of Egyptian talent blending domestic dominance with European experience.
7. Ewerton Paixao (Brazil) – €2.5M – Pyramids FC
Pyramids again dipped into Brazil in 2019, landing Ewerton Paixao for €2.5 million. The attacking midfielder added flair and depth to the squad, underlining the club’s aggressive transfer policy.
8. Malick Evouna (Gabon) – €2.25M – Al Ahly SC
Gabonese striker Malick Evouna joined Al Ahly from Wydad Casablanca in 2015 for €2.25 million. His pace and finishing ability made him a fan favorite before a big-money move to China a year later.
9. Ali Gabr (Egypt) – €2.15M – Pyramids FC
Egypt international defender Ali Gabr moved from Zamalek to Pyramids FC in 2018 for €2.15 million. His arrival bolstered Pyramids’ backline and reinforced their push to compete with Al Ahly and Zamalek.
10. Reda Slim (Morocco) – €2.0M – Al Ahly SC
Signed in 2023 from FAR Rabat, Moroccan forward Reda Slim cost €2 million. The versatile attacker has since shown promise, combining skill and physicality in Al Ahly’s frontline.
10. Aliou Badji (Senegal) – €2.0M – Al Ahly SC
Also costing €2 million, Senegalese forward Aliou Badji arrived from Rapid Vienna in 2020. Though his spell at Al Ahly was mixed, he remains one of their high-profile investments in recent years.