Who were Africa’s transfer flops of 21-22?

There were some encouraging signs from Lookman at LeicesterCity last term, as he again made his return to the Premier League, but it was nonetheless a disappointing campaign.

In 26 appearances—of which 16 were from the start—he may have scored six goals, but he failed to register a single assist, showing precious little of the creativity that characterised his early performances in the Bundesliga with RasenBallsport Leipzig.

It appears as though the forward hasn’t done enough to convince Brendan Rodgers that he’s worth receiving a permanent deal either, with Leicester returning the attacker back to his parent club rather than securing his services long-term.

Back in September 2021, Sima’s move to Brighton & Hove Albion was tipped as one of the African deals of the window.

Things ultimately haven’t worked out well for the young Senegalese forward, even if the Seagulls’ decision to send him on loan to Championship Stoke City made sense to allow him to acclimatise to the English game.

The attacker has struggled with back, ankle and pelvic injuries during this time in the second tier, managing just 73 minutes all term, and 2021-22 has to be seen as a write-off for the wonderkid.

Sorry Leicester fans, we’re throwing another Foxes recruit into the mix after what was a difficult seasons for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

£15 million for one of Ligue 1’s brightest talents looked like a good deal at the time, Soumare had certainly do the business with LOSC Lille, but he hasn’t effectively imposed himself in the Premier League.

Wilfred Ndidi’s injury paved the way for Soumare to make his mark with the 2016 Prem champions, but rumours that he’s been made available for transfer by Rodgers suggests he didn’t impress the boss when given the opportunity.

Musa returned to European football with Fatih Karagumruk after his brief spell in Nigerian football with Kano Pillars.

It was a chance for Musa to still prove that he could be a star in a European league, having endured several years in the relative wilderness since netting six in ten for CSKA Moscow in 2017-18.

At 29, he should be in his prime, but two goals and two assists all season was a poor return for the Super Eagles skipper, despite Fatih’s eighth-placed finish, and Musa must still prove he has something to offer at this level.

Brentford may have thrived this term, but the same can’t be said for Nigeria midfielder Onyeka.

For £9 million, he’s contributed relatively little to the Bees, rarely looking Premier League quality and managing just 12 starts all season.

Admittedly, injuries limited his progress, but the 24-year-old must prove—if given the chance—that he can hold his own in the top flight.

In truth, Louza could still become a success at Watford.

He was the Hornets’ most expensive signing last year—costing a cool £8.5 million—but only really started to settle in the team in the Easter, when relegation was appearing to be inevitable.

The Morocco international was labouring with an injury during the campaign—he had a meniscus injury late in the season—but after only making 20 appearances all term, it’s clear that a significant improvement is required.