Football
Ed Dove, Special to ESPN 6y

World Cup: Ten Africans who put themselves in the shop window

Africa's teams may have fallen at the first hurdle at the World Cup, but a series of the continent's stars can emerge with their heads held high following a fine campaign.

Often, major tournaments can be the launchpad for a career or can help raise a player's profile among prospective suitors.

Here are ten African players - two from each competing nation - who have boosted their transfer prospects and put themselves firmly in the shop window after some encouraging displays in Russia.

Egypt

Ahmed Hegazy was already set to be the subject of transfer talk this window after West Bromwich Albion's relegation last term. Despite a few jittery moments, he was one of the few Baggies whose reputations were enhanced last season, and he further caught the eye at the World Cup - albeit during Egypt's miserable campaign.

According to reports in Saudi Arabia, as per the Birmingham Mail, Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia are tempted by the centre-back, but could he tempt a Premier League side looking for a physical stopper?

Trezeguet may have lacked a clinical edge in Russia, but he caught the eye with a series of lively displays, and it wasn't his fault that he appeared - at times - to be on a different wavelength to his teammates.

Internazionale missed out on Mohamed Salah in the past, and they appear keen not to do the same again, with the Italian giants reportedly rivalling Galatasaray for the wideman's signature following his World Cup outings.

Morocco

What a year it's been for Achraf Hakimi!

He enjoyed a spell in the Real Madrid first team after Dani Carvajal was injured, proceeded to win the Champions League with Los Merengues, and then held down the Atlas Lions' left-back berth for the duration of their World Cup campaign.

He surely needs a move in order to get first-team football - he appears unlikely to unseat Carvajal any time soon - and Calciomercato have reported that Borussia Dortmund are interested in signing the full-back.

However, they face competition for the defender, one of several Moroccan players who impressed, with Napoli also keen on his services as per the report.

Nordin Amrabat was one of Africa's most impressive players at the World Cup, using the grand stage to showcase his speed, movement and dribbling ability to great effect.

He recovered from a concussion suffered against Iran to shine against Portugal, and was unfortunate not to find the net against Spain when a rasping effort rattled the woodwork.

Amrabat was unwanted by Watford last term, and moved on loan to Leganes, but clubs in Europe's major leagues should see an opportunity in his situation.

Nigeria

Kenneth Omeruo is available for loan - if not a transfer - every summer, with Chelsea tying the defender down to a long-term deal but seemingly with no intention of ever using him in their first-team squad.

After five successive loan deals, Omeruo ought to be aiming higher than Alanyaspor or Kasimpasa this summer after two encouraging showings in Russia.

He was introduced to the team after Nigeria's defeat by Croatia, and added composure and confidence to the backline.

Super Lig heavyweights Trabzonspor are understood to be eyeing the versatile defender.

Unlike the other players on this list, Ahmed Musa's chances of securing a transfer this summer may have dimmed after his performances in Russia.

After 18 unsuccessful months at Leicester City and a brighter loan spell back at CSKA Moscow, he appeared primed for an exit door from the King Power Stadium.

Olympique de Marseille were just one potential destination named for the speedster, but the Foxes may now be keen to give the forward a second chance after his excellent two-goal showing against Iceland.

Tunisia

Wahbi Khazri already appeared destined for a transfer this summer; he has no future at Sunderland, surely, and already impressed on loan at Stade Rennais last summer.

He boosted his reputation at the World Cup - contributing two goals and two assists - and will have piqued the interest of clubs in the Premier League and Ligue 1.

According to the Chronicle, there's interest from clubs in Portugal, Belgium and France, and don't expect the versatile forward to be at the Stadium of Light for too much longer.

Ferjani Sassi endured a mixed World Cup; he netted a penalty against England, but allowed his frustrations to bubble over on occasion.

Nonetheless, it appears as though some of Italy's heavyweights are impressed with his technical qualities and his ability with the ball at his feet.

Calciomercato have reported that AC Milan, Juventus and Napoli are all considering a move for the Saudi Arabia-based playmaker.

Senegal

Kalidou Koulibaly already appeared primed for a transfer this window following another excellent year with Napoli. He only bolstered his reputation at the World Cup where, despite being overshadowed by Salif Sane at times, he caught the eye with his game-reading, covering ability and composure in possession.

Phil Neville, speaking on BBC One, tipped the centre-back with an imminent move to the Premier League, with the defender having been linked to both Manchester United and Chelsea this summer.

Alfred N'Diaye played a key role in Wolves' promotion to the Premier League last term, and further boosted his reputation with two imposing displays in Senegal's opening games after being named in the team ahead of captain Chiekhou Kouyate.

The Old Gold have opted not to take up the option to buy the powerhouse permanently, and any ambitious Championship sides - at least - would be wise to contact Villarreal about their demands.

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