Football
Ed Dove, Special to ESPN 7y

Africa's top five done deals of the last seven days

Africa's players have proved to be some of the major protagonists of the transfer window so far, and expect many more of the continent's top stars to move between now and the end of August.

In this feature, KweséESPN look back over the last seven days and pick out the biggest or best done deals involving African players.

Wakaso Mubarak has struggled for stability for much of his career, moving between clubs and countries on a regular basis. The dynamic midfielder has played for eight different teams in four different nations since leaving Ashanti Gold in 2008, and has only played more than 25 league games in a single season on one occasion since 2010.

There are no guarantees that he'll finally settle at Deportivo Alaves, but it was clear that he needed a move away from Panathinaikos and the 26-year-old has certainly enjoyed some of his more successful years in Spain.

Having finished ninth last term, Alaves will be eyeing another top-half finish, and Wakaso - if he can focus and keep his discipline - can be a valuable asset. For the player, regular first team and a settled environment could be the best way to realise his potential and earn a Ghana recall.

Ahmed Elmohamady: There's reason to be concerned for Hull City. While their coach is the experienced Leonid Slutsky, the Russian has never before managed in England, let alone the testing environment of the Championship.

They've also lost considerable experience in Tom Huddlestone and Elmohamady, who was offloaded to Aston Villa - one of the sides set to be battling the Tigers for a spot in the top six.

The Egyptian wideman knows the English game well, offers dynamism, energy and fine crossing down the right, and has two promotions under his belt.

Steve Bruce knows how to get the best out of him - this is the third club the duo have worked together - and an experienced defensive unit including new signings John Terry and Chris Samba will take some breaching.

At £1 million, the Egyptian looks a steal!

Faycal Fajr: Getafe might have pulled off one of the bargains of the season when they signed Morocco's Fajr on a free transfer from Deportivo La Coruna earlier this week.

The midfielder has been in Spain since signing for Elche in 2014, and, able to play in the middle or on either flank, he'll be a valuable asset for his new club.

Last season, the 28-year-old didn't hit his top form for Depor, but if Getafe can get him back to his best - his set pieces and delivery from wide areas can help the Azulones steer clear of relegation upon their return to the top table.

Britt Assombalonga: Unlike Fajr, Assombalonga moves clubs with the burden of a heavy transfer fee on his shoulders this summer, after Middlesbrough parted with £15 million to sign him from Nottingham Forest.

It's s steep price, perhaps, particularly for a player who's had so many problems with injury over the last few seasons.

However, goals were a major point of weakness for Boro last term - they were relegated from the Premier League after finding the net just 27 times.

The Democratic Republic of Congo hitman is a goalscorer, and if he can stay injury free, his movement, pace and finishing ability could help the North-East heavyweights make an immediate return to the top table.

Ahmed Hegazy: We've included a second Egypt international on this list after Hegazy, who played alongside Elmohamady in the 2017 Nations Cup final, completed a loan move to West Bromwich Albion.

Egyptian players have sometimes struggled to adapt in England, with Mido, Hossam Ghaly and Amr Zaki just three examples of players who weren't exactly universally popular during their time in the Premier League.

Ominously, Hegazy flopped after moving to Fiorentina early in his career, but he's reaffirmed his quality back in Egypt with Al-Ahly and earned praise from Tony Pulis after an impressive outing in the Premier League Asia trophy against Leicester City.

If he settles, he can be an able replacement for Jonas Olsson, who returned to Sweden with Djurgardens this summer after nine years of service.

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