May 11, 2026

Cedric Bakambu top Aubameyang to become most expensive African footballer

By Promise Amadi

Democratic Republic of Congo striker, Cedric Bakambu, has become the most expensive African footballer, following his £65million move to Chinese Super League club, Beijing Guoan, from Villarreal.

The transfer beat the £56m Arsenal paid Borussia Dortmund for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang last January.

Although Beijing Gouan met Bakambu’s release clause weeks ago, the deal has only just been completed after they were forced to pay a super tax to Chinese authorities.

Rules state that clubs must pay 100% tax on new signings, but Beijing Guoan managed to negotiate a discount which saved them £5m.

They had argued that meeting Bakambu’s release clause technically made him a free agent and therefore no tax payment was required.

Bakambu scored 46 times in 101 appearances for Villarreal and was LaLiga Player of the Month for October 2017.

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