African players in the Premier League 2026-27: full list

Published on October 1, 2026

For the first time since 2017, the Premier League is being played without Mohamed Salah. Liverpool's Egyptian king has left England for Turkish club Trabzonspor. But African players remain numerous and influential in the continent's most-watched league. Who are they, and where do they play? Here is the guide to African players in the 2026-27 Premier League, club by club.

The end of the Salah era

Mohamed Salah made Premier League history. In nine seasons at Liverpool, the Egyptian became the highest-scoring African player in the league's history and one of the greatest players of the modern era. His move to Trabzonspor opens a new chapter: who will succeed him as Africa's Premier League superstar?

A striking fact: Liverpool no longer have a single African player in their squad following his departure.

An uninterrupted season

Last season, AFCON in Morocco took African internationals away from English clubs from mid-December to mid-January. This season, with AFCON 2027 played in June and July, African players will be available for the entire league campaign, including the festive period.

African players, club by club

Manchester City - Antoine Semenyo (Ghana), signed from Bournemouth in January 2026, now in his first full season at the club - Omar Marmoush (Egypt), now the only Egyptian at one of England's biggest clubs

Manchester United - Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon), signed from Brentford in 2025, who finished last season strongly - Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast) - Carlos Baleba (Cameroon) - Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco)

Tottenham Hotspur - Mohammed Kudus (Ghana), who missed the 2026 World Cup through injury and is eager to make up for lost time - Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal)

Crystal Palace - Ismaïla Sarr (Senegal), who enjoyed an outstanding season with 20 goals and a Conference League title. He starts this campaign under a new manager, Pierre Sage, after Oliver Glasner's departure.

Newcastle United - Yoane Wissa (DR Congo), who scored three goals at the 2026 World Cup after an injury-hit first season at the club

Everton - Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal)

Fulham - Alex Iwobi (Nigeria), one of the most experienced African players in the league - Calvin Bassey (Nigeria)

Nottingham Forest - Ola Aina (Nigeria)

Bournemouth - Amine Adli (Morocco)

Coventry City - Frank Onyeka (Nigeria)

Hull City - Semi Ajayi (Nigeria)

List compiled at the start of the 2026-27 season, based on known squads. It may change with future transfers.

Ghana's Black Stars in the Premier League

Ghana have two of the most exciting African players in the league. Antoine Semenyo is widely seen as a potential successor to Salah as Africa's Premier League star, with the chance to shine at an unbeaten Manchester City side. Mohammed Kudus, back from injury, will be determined to remind everyone of his talent at Tottenham.

Nigeria's strong presence

With around ten players in the league, Nigeria has one of the strongest African presences in the Premier League this season. Veteran Alex Iwobi, with more than 300 Premier League appearances, leads the way at Fulham alongside Calvin Bassey, while Ola Aina remains a key figure at Nottingham Forest. Newly promoted clubs also feature Super Eagles, with Frank Onyeka at Coventry City and Semi Ajayi at Hull City.

Players to watch this season

Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City): with City top of the table, he has the perfect platform to establish himself among the world's best.

Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United): after a difficult start at Old Trafford, he finished strongly and could become one of United's leaders.

Ismaïla Sarr (Crystal Palace): Senegal's pride in the Premier League, coming off the best season of his career.

Mohammed Kudus (Tottenham): fit again and hungry to make an impact.

Which African player will shine this season?

Semenyo, Mbeumo, Kudus, Ismaïla Sarr or someone else? Share your opinion in the comments below 👇

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