The summer of 2025 marked a pivotal phase for Ivorian footballers in the transfer market, with significant moves across top European leagues like the Premier League, Serie A, and Bundesliga, as well as emerging markets such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Here is an overview of the key signings, loans, and departures reflecting a new chapter for Ivory Coast’s rising football talents.
The summer 2025 transfer window saw decisive action for Ivorian players with major operations throughout Europe’s big leagues and emerging football markets.
In the UK, winger Simon Adingra, a Brighton reveal, signed a five-year deal with Sunderland for about €24 million (£21 million), becoming a key acquisition for the newly promoted Premier League club. At 23, after 73 Premier League appearances for Brighton, Adingra aims to become a starter and offensive catalyst for the Black Cats. His signing was praised by ex-Ivorian international Salomon Kalou and represents a crucial step in his career progression.
In Italy, Serie A welcomed defender Odilon Kossounou to Atalanta Bergamo. Following a successful loan season, Atalanta finalized his permanent transfer from Bayer Leverkusen for €20 million. Known for his defensive intelligence, Kossounou’s move is expected to boost his tactical growth within a team renowned for player development[1][initial text].
In Germany, RB Leipzig invested in young Ivorian talent Yan Diomandé, a creative winger from CD Leganés. At 21, the dynamic attacker was acquired for €20 million, with expectations to add speed and vision to Leipzig’s lineup under Marco Rose[initial text].
Other notable strategic moves include:
- Amadou Koné choosing the Saudi project at Neom SC for increased responsibility
- The experienced Jean Evrard Kouassi moving to Qatar’s Umm Salal SC to contribute his offensive versatility and leadership
Additional transfers illustrate varied player pathways:
- Mario Dorgeles ascending at SC Braga (Portugal)
- Junior Diaz loaned to Stade Brestois to prove himself in Ligue 1
- Cédric Kipré opting for Ipswich Town in England for career revival
- Wilfried Kanga returning to Belgium’s KAA La Gantoise seeking stability
- Christ-Owen Kouassi targeting growth at US Lecce in Serie A
- Jean-Philippe Gbamin, a free agent, signing for FC Metz to regain footing in Ligue 1
- Stéphane Diarra betting on Portugal’s Alverca in Liga Portugal
- Jonathan Cissé switching clubs within Romania to Universitatea Cluj
Moreover, four Ivorians — Jean-Philippe Gbamin, Eric Bailly, Ghislain Konan, and Jean Michaël Seri — are free agents in the 2025 summer market, presenting clubs with options to acquire experienced talents[1].
This summer highlights Ivorian players as prominent actors in the transfer scene, whether strengthening top European teams or shaping developing leagues. Their mix of promise and experience underscores Ivory Coast’s growing influence in world football.
