The January transfer window has been relatively quiet for African players this year, with most clubs opting to stick with their existing squads rather than make last-minute moves. However, as the deadline day approaches, there are still a few African stars who could be on the move. Let’s take a closer look at some players who are linked with a transfer and others who are in desperate need of a change of scenery before the window ends.
Franco-Cameroonian wonderkid Hugo Ekitike is one of the most high-profile movers being linked with a transfer on deadline day. The 21-year-old forward arrived at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) from Stade de Reims after a successful season, where he scored 10 goals in 24 appearances. However, Ekitike struggled to replicate that form on loan in Paris last season, managing only three goals in limited playing time. This season, he has only made one appearance and is in need of a fresh start to reinvigorate his career.
German clubs Eintracht Frankfurt and VfL Wolfsburg have shown interest in signing Ekitike on loan during this window. However, there might be a late twist in the tale as Manchester United has also been rumored to consider a move for the talented forward. With the recent injury setbacks of Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford, and Anthony Martial, United’s manager Erik ten Hag may see Ekitike as a valuable addition to their attacking options. The question remains whether Ekitike will get the opportunity to restart his career in the Premier League or elsewhere.
Algeria international Saïd Benrahma seems to be on the brink of an exit from the Premier League. The 28-year-old winger, who has been struggling for consistency since his move from Brentford to West Ham United, is set to complete a loan move to Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon). West Ham has accepted the offer, and the loan will include an obligation for Lyon to buy Benrahma at the end of the season for a reported fee of £15 million.
Benrahma has shown glimpses of his talent, with memorable moments like his wonder goal against his former club in a preseason friendly and a penalty scored against Fiorentina in last year’s Europa Conference final. However, his overall performance has been inconsistent, with just one assist and no goals in 13 Premier League appearances this season. Lyon will be hoping for a renaissance from the winger, as they are currently just one point above the relegation zone in Ligue 1.
Ivorian wideman Maxwel Cornet, who joined West Ham United from Lyon, could also be on the move. The 27-year-old struggled to make an impact under David Moyes and reportedly caught the attention of Crystal Palace. The London club is rumored to be considering a late loan move for Cornet, and they may also be monitoring any potential late-window moves for Michael Olise.
Despite having players like Benrahma and Cornet at the club, West Ham United seems to be in need of more attacking threat from wide areas. That could explain their rumored interest in FC Nordsjaelland’s Ibrahim Osman. Talks have taken place between the two clubs, but negotiations have been slow, primarily due to the disagreement over the valuation of the player. Nordsjaelland is reportedly unhappy with West Ham’s £16 million price tag for Osman. If a deal fails to materialize, Crystal Palace or Brighton & Hove Albion might be tempted to swoop for the Ghanaian wonderkid.
Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke has been the subject of numerous transfer rumors during this window. The 24-year-old has shone this season, scoring 12 goals in 20 matches for the Cherries under manager Andoni Iraola. His impressive performances have attracted interest from clubs higher up the football pyramid, including Tottenham Hotspur, who are reportedly willing to pay £50 million for his services. West Ham and Newcastle United are also said to be potential suitors. However, Iraola has dismissed the rumors, stating that he expects Solanke to stay at Bournemouth.
Senegal’s Pape Gueye has had a challenging time at Marseille since his move from Watford in 2020. A contract breach ahead of the transfer resulted in Marseille and Gueye having to compensate Watford £2.3 million. Gueye was subsequently banned and loaned to Sevilla. Despite winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal in 2022, his career has been turbulent.
Gueye finds himself at odds with Marseille again, as he has refused to extend his contract, which expires in the summer. Marseille is keen to avoid losing him for free and has been trying to offload the midfielder this January. Burnley, Everton, and Wolves have been linked with a move for Gueye, while Everton is also rumored to be interested in his international teammate Ismaïla Sarr.
Chelsea’s Trevor Chalobah is one of several players from the club who could be on the move before the deadline. The 24-year-old had a breakthrough season last year, but injuries have halted his progress this term, with him yet to make an appearance. Mauricio Pochettino indicated that Chalobah might return to contention in February, but the increased competition at the club makes his future uncertain.
Italian clubs Juventus, AC Milan, and AS Roma are reportedly interested in signing Chalobah. A move away from Chelsea could offer him regular playing time for the rest of the season, which could be crucial to his development as a player.
While the January transfer window has been relatively quiet for African players, there are still potential moves on the horizon. Players like Hugo Ekitike, Saïd Benrahma, and Maxwel Cornet are in need of a fresh start, while the likes of Dominic Solanke and Trevor Chalobah are attracting interest due to their impressive performances. It remains to be seen which clubs will make their moves before the deadline and whether these transfers will offer the players the opportunities they seek.