The two most expensive deals of the day both involve African players, including a surprise €21.25m move for an uncapped Senegalese youngster. Elsewhere, a couple of major Premier League transfers are nearing completion.

Confirmed Transfers — Done Deals

Will Lankshear → Middlesbrough (from Tottenham)

Having received around €24m earlier this week via a sell-on fee that accompanied Morgan Rogers’ move from Aston Villa to Chelsea, Middlesbrough have been quick to spend. The Championship club have signed 21-year-old forward Lankshear, who netted 11 goals on loan at Oxford in the English second tier last term.

Ibrahim Fofana → KVC Westerlo (from Amiens)

The Ivorian midfielder heads to the Belgian top flight, where he’ll be hoping to stake his claim for a senior international call-up.

Issa Diop → Ipswich Town (from Fulham)

  • Fee: €10m
  • Contract: 4 years

After starting five times for Morocco at the World Cup, the centre-back is looking for regular first-team football at Premier League newcomers Ipswich.

Maximilian Wöber → FC Schalke 04 (from Leeds United)

  • Fee: €3m
  • Contract: 1 year

The Austrian centre-back completes a permanent move to Germany, having spent last season on loan at Werder Bremen.

Alban Lafont → Amed SK (from Nantes)

  • Fee: €1m
  • Contract: Undisclosed

A fresh start for the Ivorian international goalkeeper, who joins up with Turkish Süper Lig newcomers Amed SK.

Casemiro → Inter Miami (from Manchester United)

  • Fee: Free
  • Contract: 1 year

Following the conclusion of his contract at Manchester United, Casemiro heads to the United States. The Brazilian midfielder will now be a teammate of Argentine legend Leo Messi at Inter Miami.

Ibrahim Cissoko → PEC Zwolle (from Toulouse)

The Netherlands-born winger, who has recently committed to play for the Guinean national team, has signed a four-year deal with Eredivisie outfit PEC Zwolle.

Akor Adams → Venezia (from Sevilla)

  • Fee: €16m
  • Contract: 4 years

A big move for the Nigerian international, who top-scored for Sevilla with 10 goals in 33 appearances in La Liga last term. The forward becomes the most expensive signing in Venezia’s history.

Ibrahima Ba → Sporting (from Famalicão)

Sporting’s rebuild has already begun following the €39.35m sale of Francisco Trincão earlier this week. They’ve invested heavily in 21-year-old centre-back Ba, who is yet to make his debut for Senegal.

Latest Rumours — Who Could Move Next

Alejandro Garnacho — linked with Aston Villa

  • Source: David Ornstein
  • Status: Deal agreed

Having sold Rogers to Chelsea, Aston Villa now look set to sign Alejandro Garnacho from the London club to bolster their attacking options. The Argentine winger will join on an initial loan deal that will become permanent if certain conditions are met.

Bradley Barcola — linked with Liverpool

  • Source: Fabrizio Romano
  • Status: Early interest

Faced with stiff competition at PSG, Barcola could be open to a move away from the European champions this summer. Reports suggest Liverpool are the club showing the most interest in the 23-year-old.

João Cancelo — linked with Barcelona

  • Source: Fabrizio Romano
  • Status: Talks ongoing

After a second loan spell at Barcelona last season, the Catalan giants are hoping to once again sign the Portuguese international from Al-Hilal.

Alex Scott — linked with Chelsea

Having had an initial €75m bid rejected, Chelsea are still pursuing the Bournemouth midfielder, who is reportedly keen on the move.

Aladji Bamba — linked with Newcastle

  • Source: Fabrizio Romano
  • Status: Agreement reached

The 20-year-old midfielder, who is of Guinean descent, looks set to complete a €41m transfer to Newcastle after a successful campaign in Ligue 1 with Monaco.

African Players on the Move — Watch List

Sevilla’s financial problems suggested Adams was one player they could cash in on this summer, but his destination is a surprise. Venezia won promotion from Serie B last term, and the Nigerian is their marquee signing as they look to make an impact in the Italian top flight.

Sporting’s capture of Ba is also an intriguing one. It suggests Senegal have an emerging defensive talent, who could be the long-term successor to Kalidou Koulibaly. The 21-year-old now has the opportunity to play in the Champions League, which will only help develop his game.

What’s next

Adams should make his competitive debut for Venezia when they take on Lecce in Serie A on 23 August. Follow all the action on 22Bet when the Italian season begins.