Traoré, Mahrez... These 4 African veterans chasing one last challenge

Among the free agents on the market, four African players are seeking one last challenge as they are closer to the end of their careers than the beginning. Let’s shine a spotlight on these four continental stars.

Riyad Mahrez

Although he was still under contract with Al-Ahli Saudi for another season, Riyad Mahrez has just left the club where he dazzled, racking up 37 goals and 50 assists in 122 appearances, and collecting two Asian Champions League trophies along the way.

At 35, the Fennec still has the legs to take on one final challenge. He seems eager to discover a new league, and Serie A looks like a fitting next step. AS Roma and Como—who are set for their Champions League debut under Cesc Fabregas—are both keeping tabs on him.

Abdoulaye Doucouré

One season with Neom SC in Saudi Arabia and then out the door! The Mali international never really found his form in his most recent adventure, after years of shining on English pitches with Everton.

Now 33, he could be set for a return to Europe—specifically England, a league he knows well and where he could end his career on a high.

Bertrand Traoré

He’s only 30, but he’s been linked with so many clubs it sometimes feels like he’s at the tail end of his career. The Burkina Faso international, capped 86 times (21 goals), has been a free agent since his deal with Sunderland ended.

The former Ajax Amsterdam winger has turned down several Middle Eastern clubs to stay in Europe, where FC Nordsjaelland and FC Porto are both chasing his signature.

Wilfried Zaha

The Ivory Coast international has been a free agent since June, following the end of his contract with Galatasaray. After a loan spell at Charlotte, he’s struggled to recapture his best form.

The 33-year-old winger is currently training with the Eagles, and a comeback could be on the cards. He’s scored 90 goals in 458 appearances across two spells with the club.

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

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