Muntari, 9 other top African players desperate for new clubs

June 30 brought with it the end of contract for a host of African players around the world, many of whom have been released onto the market and have no idea where they'll be plying their trade next term.

In this feature, KweséESPN profiles 10 of the continent's stars who are currently without a club and looking for new employment during this transfer window.

Sulley Muntari: The Ghanaian didn't do too much during his brief stay with Pescara last season, with the sole exception, of course, his defiant protest when faced with racist abuse at Cagliari. His reaction -- and that of his club and the Italian top flight -- ultimately made worldwide headlines.

At 32, Muntari can offer experience and grit in the middle of the park, while his versatility should make him an attractive -- if controversial -- prospect.

Sammy Ameobi: The younger brother of Nigeria forward Shola ended his nine-year spell with Newcastle United last month when he was released by the Magpies, missing out on a return to the Premier League.

He's much more likely to stick around in the lower leagues, and Bolton Wanderers -- who enjoyed the forward's services on loan last season -- are favourites for his signature.

Steven Pienaar: Another former Sunderland player to find himself without a club is South Africa international Pienaar, who was released by the Black Cats at the season's end.



The ex-Everton and Ajax Amsterdam midfielder appears primed for a return to the PSL on a free transfer, with Cape Town City tipped to be his most likely destination.

Hachim Mastour: The teenage hitman appeared destined for the top when he signed for AC Milan from Reggiana in 2012, but he ultimately never made his debut for the Rossoneri and struggled to impress on loan with Malaga or PEC Zwolle.

He's yet to build on the sole international cap he won with Morocco in June 2015 -- when he became the Atlas Lions' youngest ever international -- and has been deemed surplus to requirements in Milan's revolution.

Cheikh N'Doye: Few players have been as critical to Angers' rise to prominence in recent seasons, and while Senegal's N'Doye might be a late bloomer, his performances in Ligue 1 this term served as a reminder of his quality.

Famara Diedhiou is just one Teranga Lions international who has swapped Angers for the Championship; could N'Doye be set to follow in his footsteps?

Carolus Andriamatsinoro took to Facebook over the weekend to confirm his exit from Algerian heavyweights USM Alger, bringing to an end his five-year stay with the club.

At 27, he's still young enough to pique some interest from Europe, although a move to one of Africa's major clubs looks more likely.

Rachid Ghezzal: As he threatened to do, Ghezzal parted ways with Olympique Lyonnais after coming to the end of his contract with the French heavyweights.

Everton and West Ham United have been keen on the Algeria international in the past, but a move to Serie A is looking more likely now, with both AS Roma and AC Milan linked to his signature.

Don't be surprised to see the North African move to the capital club as they look to replace Liverpool new boy Mohamed Salah.

Sebastien Bassong: At 30, centre-back Bassong should be in his prime, yet he finds himself without a club after being released by Norwich City at the end of the season.



Reports that he's been training alone in a local Norfolk park and performing DJ sets in London bars don't necessarily bode too well for his future, but a move to Turkey could be the most likely conclusion. Bursaspor have been linked to his signature.

Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting: The Cameroon attacker infamously opted to reject the Indomitable Lions' call-up for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year -- missing out on the greatest success of his career -- and now leaves Schalke 04 after coming to the end of his deal.

The forward offers versatility, power and can carry the ball past defenders.

They are qualities which have caught the eye of Southampton and Stoke City in the past. Could either club return for his services?

Youssouf Mulumbu: Another high-profile African talent axed by Norwich is Mulumbu, who was also released as part of a major cost-cutting reshuffle by the Canaries.



Fulham originally appeared to be his most likely destination -- which would see the Democratic Republic of Congo line up against his former club on the opening day of the Championship season -- but a potential move fell through.

Expect the Central African to have other Championship suitors.