Football: 5 AFCON stars looking for a move in January transfer window

by Devesh Jaganath

image Football: 5 AFCON stars looking for a move in January transfer window
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is nearing the end of the group stage, and the picture around the 16 teams that will progress to the knockout round is starting to become clearer. While Africa’s stars are battling to help their nations to continental glory, league scouts are also busy at work, and here we take a look at five players who could be on the move this January.

Mohamed Salah (Egypt) - Liverpool 

Mohamed Salah is in search of his first AFCON title this year, but beyond the continental competition, the Egyptian King’s future at Liverpool in the Premier League is anything but certain. 

Despite being handed a lucrative new deal in April, Salah has largely failed to reproduce his incredible form from last season this term and was dropped from the Reds’ starting lineup for a handful of games, which led to tensions building between him and Arne Slot. 

Following a shocking interview in which he revealed that he felt as though he was being “thrown under the bus,” many felt that Salah’s tenure at Anfield was over, but that was until he featured off the bench against Brighton directly before departing Merseyside for the AFCON.

Still, it remains to be seen if that was an indication of him being brought back into the manager’s thinking, or merely a final farewell to Anfield. Saudi Arabian clubs have been keen to secure his services for several years, while Galatasaray are also reportedly monitoring his situation. 

Ademola Lookman (Nigeria) - Atalanta BC

Ademola Lookman has made a very bright start to his AFCON campaign, having already notched up four direct goal involvements for Nigeria, scoring in both games and setting up goals for Victor Osimhen and Wilfred Ndidi against Tunisia. 

However, the former African Player of the Year made clear that he wished to move on last summer, and after being denied a move, refused to turn up for the squad in pre-season. While he eventually did return at the start of the campaign, he has been way off the type of form he showed in 2024-25. 

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Lookman’s compatriot Victor Osimhen is attempting to persuade him to consider a move to the Turkish Super Lig champions, while Tottenham Hotspur are also believed to have made inquiries about his availability. 

Yves Bissouma (Mali) - Tottenham Hotspur 

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The 2025-26 season began in the worst possible way for Yves Bissouma, as he was dropped from the Tottenham Hotspur squad for their UEFA Super Cup clash against Paris Saint-Germain due to repeated lateness. 

The Mali international has struggled to get back in the good graces of new boss Thomas Frank, and has largely been the maker of his own undoing, having now been involved in three disciplinary offences over the past year and a half. 

Most Spurs fans are of the belief that the midfielder’s tenure in North London is nearing an end, though given his recent disciplinary record, it may be difficult for the Lilywhites to secure him a move away at a reasonable transfer value. 

Samuel Chukwueze (Nigeria) - Fulham

In contrast to his compatriot Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze arrived at the Africa Cup of Nations on an upward trajectory, earning a starting role in his last three league matches, while recording five goal involvements in his last five appearances for Fulham. 

As a result, reports now suggest that the Cottagers are considering signing the 26-year-old attacking midfielder on a permanent contract. He is currently on a season-long loan from AC Milan, who are believed to be willing to allow him to leave for a fee of around €28m. 

Remaining at Craven Cottage is not a guarantee just yet, though, as a solid showing at the AFCON could persuade other big clubs across Europe to sit up and take notice. However, he failed to make an impact in the Super Eagles’ opener and was an unused substitute against Tunisia at the weekend. 

Carlos Baleba (Cameroon) - Brighton & Hove Albion

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Carlos Baleba was one of the major talking points over the latter stages of the summer transfer window, with Manchester United reportedly seeking to sign him, but a move failed to materialise by the deadline, and he ended up remaining at Brighton & Hove Albion. 

However, the Red Devils are believed to still be interested in his services and could attempt to approach him again in January, especially since the injury to Bruno Fernandes and with Kobbie Mainoo seemingly nearing an exit from Old Trafford. 

Baleba has not been at his best this season, and the Seagulls’ boss Fabian Hurzeler has even gone on record in recent times to suggest that the summer speculation surrounding the Cameroonian may have affected his performances. Spurs have also been credited with an interest in his signature in recent days.