The 2026-27 summer transfer window has been quite eventful so far with several Zambian stars securing moves to different clubs or signing contract extensions. Patson Daka’s Hamburger SV signing in Germany and Fashion Sakala Jr’s extended stay at Al Fayha headline this window.
However, there are still a number of Zambian players who have yet to find a new destination after departing their clubs.
BolaNews presents the list of five foreign-based Zambian stars who are still free agents as the close of the summer transfer window nears.
Chanka Zimba
On the back of an incredible 2025-26 campaign with Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Scottish League One, Zimba remains clubless. A mutual decision was made to terminate his contract after the season concluded.
He scored 19 goals and provided four assists in 43 matches across all competitions, leading Inverness to the Scottish League One title, alongside promotion to the second tier. No Zambian netted more club goals than Zimba last term.
His goal-scoring calibre makes him a good candidate for clubs in the United Kingdom and beyond searching for a reliable marksman.
Emmanuel Banda
After challenging stints in Croatia and Saudi Arabia, Banda secured a move to Israel, hoping to reboot his career on the books of Maccabi Bnei Reine. However, Maccabi Bney Reine endured a torrid season in the Israeli top flight, finishing bottom of the standings as they suffered relegation.
The midfielder parted ways with the club following the expiration of his season-long contract. Now a free agent, Banda, who turns 29 next month, will look to find a new club soon.
He will need some form and fitness to get back into the pecking order for a midfield spot in George Lwandamina’s Zambian men’s national team ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
Jack Kalichi Lahne
Austria Lustenau now competes in the Austrian Bundesliga partly thanks to the contributions of Zambian striker Lahne. Having joined the club in January 2025 as a free agent, he registered nine league goals in the Meister 2. Liga, inspiring Lustenau to top-flight promotion.
Lahne, whose major highlight last season was a thunderbolt goal against Angola on his full debut for the Chipolopolo Boys, continues his search for new employers ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. He has previously competed in Sweden, France, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Norway.
Aime Mabika
Mabika has not played competitive football since leaving USL Championship side Rhode Island in January 2026. Despite becoming a fan favorite and establishing himself as a reliable defender at the club, he could not get his stay extended.
Prior to joining Rhode Island, Mabika once played in the United States’ Major League Soccer, representing FC Toronto and the now Lionel Messi-captained Inter Miami. Having been clubless for over seven months, it’s left to be seen whether the Zambian-born defender gets a move this summer.
Jadel Katongo
Once tutored by Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Jadel Katongo remains without a club as the 2026-27 gets underway. He spent the latter part of last season in Türkiye, playing for Kayserispor, who got relegated from the Super Lig.
Katongo, who has spent the majority of his time in England competing in Manchester City’s youth teams, was sold permanently to Kayserispor in January this year for €400,000. Just half a season later, the youngster is no longer plying his trade for the Turkish club after his contract expired.
