With the January 2026 transfer window closing soon on Monday, February 2, African footballers across Europe and beyond have been centre stage in one of the most active mid-season markets in years. From blockbuster signings to exciting young talents catching scouts’ eyes at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, this winter has been packed with movement, opportunity and speculation for players from across the continent.
The Blockbuster: Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City
The headline African deal of the January window so far is Ghana international Antoine Semenyo’s transfer to Manchester City. The 26-year-old forward arrived at the Etihad Stadium in a major deal worth £62.5 million after an impressive run with AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League. Semenyo scored regularly before his move and has already found the net early in his City career, reinforcing Pep Guardiola’s title ambitions.
This transfer not only highlights the rising valuation of African attackers in top leagues but also signals that elite European clubs are willing to invest heavily mid-season for ready-made talent.
Loan Moves and Mid-Season Adjustments
Several African players have secured loan moves to get more playing time or fresh starts:
Marshall Munetsi, the Zimbabwean midfielder, left Wolves to join Paris FC on loan during the AFCON tournament after finding first-team opportunities limited.
Ethan Nwaneri, the young England forward with Nigerian heritage, moved on loan from Arsenal to Marseille, aiming for regular minutes in Ligue 1.
Arnaud Kalimuendo joined Eintracht Frankfurt on loan from Nottingham Forest, giving the forward a chance to rediscover form in the Bundesliga.
These mid-season changes show how players and clubs are using January to adjust plans, boost form, and prepare for the second half of domestic campaigns.
AFCON Stars in the Spotlight
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco has not only crowned Senegal as champions but also served as a showcase for talent that could make big moves before the window shuts.
Rising Names Attracting Interest
Ryan Alebiosu (Nigeria) — The right-back impressed with the Super Eagles and is reportedly being monitored by Everton, Wolfsburg and Genoa heading into the transfer deadline.
Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast) — The teenager has drawn strong interest from top European clubs including Bayern Munich, Liverpool, PSG and Manchester United, although a summer move seems more likely given RB Leipzig’s valuation.
Bazoumana Toure (Ivory Coast) — Diomande’s Hoffenheim teammate also turned heads with his speed and movement during AFCON.
Samuel Chukwueze (Nigeria) — Linked with a permanent deal away from Fulham after a loan from AC Milan, Chukwueze may attract interest if clubs seek attacking reinforcements.
These players exemplify how AFCON remains a vital scouting ground — not just for local clubs, but for major European teams seeking to unearth the next generation of stars.
Who Still Needs a January Move?
While some African players have secured transfers or loans, others are waiting on breakout moves that could reshape their careers:
Candidates for New Challenges
Frank Onyeka (Nigeria) — The Brentford midfielder impressed at AFCON but struggled for club minutes. A move to the Championship or another competitive league could offer regular football and revive his club career.
Raphael Onyedika (Nigeria) — With initial talks between Aston Villa and Club Brugge reported, the midfielder may be on the verge of an exciting switch — if pricing and terms align before the deadline.
Tim Iroegbunam (Nigeria) — Everton recently rejected a bid from Lazio for the young midfielder, but Italian clubs are expected to return with stronger offers before the window closes.
For these players, a strong finish to the month could mean new opportunities — but time is running short.
What’s Next Before Deadline Day
With about a week left in the January transfer window, clubs and agents are working to finalise moves before the deadline on February 2. Players who impressed at AFCON are under particular scrutiny, while big clubs may still make late bids to strengthen squads ahead of crucial second-half campaigns.
For African players, the January window continues to be a chance to step onto bigger stages, secure more competitive football, and build momentum that could define the rest of their seasons — and careers.