10 AFCON players looking for a move in January

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Which players are expected to change clubs?

The Africa Cup of Nations is well underway, with the tournament’s opener played on Sunday and three more games played on Monday, and many of the national teams including some of the tournament's favourites still awaiting their first fixture.

But while the AFCON is attracting even more attention of football fans this year, particularly due to the games taking place over the festive period, scouts and players’ agents will also have their focus shifted at Morocco, the setting of this year’s tournament.

This year’s Africa Cup of Nations, which began on Sunday (21 December) concludes on 18 January, with the final set to be played at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco’s capital.

Which ten players could change clubs after the AFCON is over?

The timing of this year’s AFCON means that it is a great opportunity for the players keen for a new challenge, with the January transfer window fast approaching.

They could be players that are seeking a new challenge or are out of favour with their current employers, such as the case of Liverpool’s key man, Egypt captain Mohamed Salah.

Here are 10 players who could change clubs in the January transfer window

• Karl Etta Eyong

Eyong has been linked to a move to Arsenal, the current English Premier League leaders, among other European giants. The 22-year-old forward of Spanish club Levante, who can also play as attacking midfielder, is one that will make Arsenal fans keep an eye on Cameroon’s fixtures during this year’s Africa Cup of Nations.

He has also attracted the interest of Spanish giants, Barcelona and Real Madrid, however he is most prioritised by the Gunners, according to reports from Spain.

The striker has been heavily scouted and linked with Arsenal rivals Chelsea, with the player himself expressing a strong desire to join due to his childhood admiration for club legend Didier Drogba and Chelsea's African player history.

“Chelsea was the English team I probably watched the most growing up because of [Didier] Drogba, and [Samuel] Eto'o later on," he began. "Chelsea have often signed incredible African players. There are so many big clubs in England, but as for [signing for] Chelsea, why not? It would be a dream for me to play for Chelsea”, the player has said.

• Yves Bissouma

Bissouma will soon be out of contract at Tottenham Hotspur, and the season didn’t start in the best possible way for the Mali defensive midfielder. The 29-year-old was even dropped from Tottenham’s team for the match against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup, after he turned up late.

As his contract in North London is approaching the end, he is yet to play a single minute for manager Thomas Frank since he took over at the club. The Danish coach said that “Bissouma isn't here because of disciplinary reasons. He has been late several times, the latest one too many”, referring to the PSG game.

• Carlos Baleba

Baleba, a favourite to sign for English giants Manchester United, ended up at Brighton in the summer of 2023, and he remains an interesting profile for the Red Devils.

But while the Cameroonian was the club’s ultimate target last summer, his poor first half of the season with Brighton raised some red flags among United’s directors.

Brighton head coach Fabian Hürzeler even suggested that the summer of speculation may have impacted the youngster’s performances. In addition to United, Spurs may also be keen on the 21-year-old midfielder.

• Noah Sadiki

Manchester United are also considering Noah Sadiki of Sunderland as a potential midfield signing, according to recent reports. The DR Congo representative has been key part in Sunderland’s impressive start in the Prem, and the 20-year-old made his international debut only last year.

United rivals Chelsea are also reported to be keeping an eye on the talented midfielder.

• Samuel Chukwueze

The Nigerian winger has had five goal contribution this season in the Premier League for Fulham in just as many games, and according to reports in Italy, Fulham might end up signing the player for good from Italian giants Milan. According to reports, there is a €28 million clause in his loan contract with the London club.

• Ademola Lookman

Chukwueze’s teammate at the national team, fellow Nigerian Ademola Lookman is reportedly unhappy with the club management at Atalanta, and he seems destined for a move.

The 28-year-old could turn the AFCON into the perfect platform for him to remind those who are watching just what he is worth. Tottenham and Galatasaray are reportedly the potential destinations for the 2024 African Footballer of the Year.

• Tochukwu Nnadi

Nnadi was seen as a surprise inclusion in Nigeria’s squad for the AFCON in Morocco, but his performances for Zulte Waregem in Belgium the past few months appear to have paid off for the midfielder.

West Ham, Brighton, Leeds, Crystal Palace and Newcastle United are Premier League sides reported to be keeping an eye on the player.

• Yan Diomande

The Ivory Coast international, currently under contract at German club RB Leipzig, has reportedly caught the attention of three English giants: Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea, who are said to have sent their representatives in Morocco to watch the 19-year-old winger from up close.

• Mamadou Sangare

The 23-year-old Mali midfielder this season has been impressive in France for Ligue 1 leaders RC Lens, who are currently one point ahead of European champions PSG in the league table.

His skills have alerted three English Premier League giants: Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham.

• Mohamed Salah

The inclusion of Mohamed Salah’s name in the list seems to be inevitable, as the speculations on his future have never been louder, ever since he signed for English giants Liverpool in 2017.

The Egypt captain penned a lucrative new deal in April, but his tense relationship with coach Arne Slot lately means that his future at Anfield is very uncertain.

Many thought that the 33-year-old no longer had a future with the English champions after his mixed-zone interview following the draw with Leeds United, where he said that he was “thrown under the bus”.

However, it is unlikely that his club future is where Salah will be focused on over the next four weeks, as his main objective will be to finally clinch the biggest title of the African continent.

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