World Cup summers naturally bring with them a flurry of transfer activity. Clubs either attempt to tie down players before others become interested ahead of the tournament, or scour the competition to make the final call on a potential new recruit.

The 2014 edition will be no different.

Africa’s five nations can all boast of excellent talents and feature players at various different stages of their careers.

This article ranks the five most likely to switch clubs this summer on the back of their World Cup performances.

5. Aissa Mandi  

It is hard to find too many African left-backs who are more accomplished than Faouzi Ghoulam at the time of writing.

Aissa Mandi

The Algerian learned his trade in Ligue 1, with Saint-Etienne, before sealing a high-profile move to Napoli.

He has performed superbly under Rafael Benitez and, at only 23, he has a bright future ahead of him.

On the opposite flank, Aissa Mandi will be hoping to enjoy a similar trajectory over the coming years.

Having made his Desert Foxes debut earlier this year, he should take his place in the defence during the World Cup. If things go well, Stade de Reims might be fielding a few calls come July.

4. John Obi Mikel 

John Obi Mikel might have been given the nod to start Chelsea’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid, but it was a rare occasion—there might not be too many more of them for the Nigerian.

The central midfielder was already linked with a departure during the summer and the January arrival of Nemanja Matic has pushed him even further down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.

Mikel is a different, more adventurous, influential and creative player in the green of Nigeria and could be the difference between progression and elimination this summer.

Should he realise his potential with the Super Eagles in Brazil, a number of clubs might opt to make him the centrepiece of their midfield.

3. Samuel Eto’o

Samuel Eto’o

Despite Jose Mourinho’s regular criticism of his striking options this season, Samuel Eto’o has, on occasion, showed the class that made him one of Europe’s finest forwards once upon a time.

The Cameroon hitman scored early and pertinent goals in big matches against Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Galatasaray, and he will be the Indomitable Lions’ overriding personality this summer.

The Central Africans may well struggle to get out of the group, but the occasion should provide a convenient platform for Eto’o to remind potential American suitors of his aura and global status.

A goal or two wouldn’t hurt either…

2. Victor Moses   

Victor Moses

What a dreadful year it’s been for Victor Moses.Exiled from Chelsea after Jose Mourinho’s arrival at the club, he arrived at Liverpool but hasn’t performed like so many of his new team-mates have.

He may end up with a league winner’s medal—but don’t expect him to be staying around at Anfield for too much longer after the season’s end.

The World Cup, therefore, provides Moses with an opportunity to remind teams across Europe of his talent.

Some direct and devastating performances for Nigeria—as he delivered for the Super Eagles at the Cup of Nations in 2013—might convince Roberto Martinez, for example, to arrange a reunion at Everton.

1. Serge Aurier  

Serge Aurier

For almost all of the season Ivorian defender Serge Aurier has been earmarked as a potential recruit for Arsene Wenger and Arsenal this summer.

Aurier’s profile as a Francophone African, his superb and consistent showings for Toulouse in Ligue 1 and the ongoing confusion around Bacary Sagna’s future have set the scene perfectly for a switch to the Emirates Stadium.

The versatile Aurier would likely thrive in the Premier League, as a centre-back, a right-back, or even slightly further forward, but it would be in Arsenal’s interests to tie a deal up as soon as possible.