The Premier League's African contingent for the 26-27 season contains established stars, expensive newcomers, young up-and-comers, and journeymen about to embark on the biggest year of their career.
Here are ESPN's 12 African storylines to keep tabs on -- and players to watch -- in the English top flight this coming year.
Carlos Baleba - Brighton & Hove Albion
A year on and it's the same old story for Baleba as the season begins; he remains on the books of Brighton, but appearing to be on the cusp of a move to Manchester United.
A transfer didn't work out last year for the Cameroon international, and his form suffered as a result, with head coach Fabian Hurzeler accusing the youngster of allowing the failed move to distract him.
To be honest, Baleba never truly regained his 24-25 form last term, although with Casemiro having departed, United's need for a central midfielder is greater than 12 months ago.
Still only 22, he'll surely learn under Michael Carrick, while he'll likely arrive at a more stable Old Trafford environment than he would have done last summer.
While some suggested he was underused by Emerse Fae, he nonetheless registered a fine winner against Ecuador and the equaliser in the ill-fated Last 16 bout with Norway.
Now 24, he's no longer the young prospect he once was, and despite flashes under - in particular - Ruben Amorim, this has to be the season where Diallo establishes a consistent starting role for himself at United.
Technically excellent, elusive in tight spots, and capable of the spectacular, can he become one of the league's genuine attractions?
Iliman Ndiaye - Everton
Another player who was underutilised at the World Cup, but nonetheless stole the show, Ndiaye played just 113 minutes, but still scored once and registered two assists, serving a reminder of just what an irresistible talent he is.
He's one of the league's most watchable players, and a technical magician, although there still remains a sense that David Moyes hasn't truly got the best out of him - or even decided how best to use him - at Everton.
Amidst rumoured interest from Saudi Arabia, and reports that the 26-year-old has refused a new deal, it remains to be seen if he will stay at Goodison Park. If he remains, the playmaker must improve on his return of nine direct goal involvements last term.