The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is more than just a continental showcase. It is a prime opportunity for ambitious players aiming to attract attention from top clubs ahead of the January transfer window. Some players are looking to revive stalled careers, others are searching for fresh challenges, and some want to make the leap to bigger leagues.
Here is a closer look at ten players who could use AFCON as a springboard for a transfer this winter.
1. Karl Etta Eyong – Cameroon → Potential EPL Move
Current Club: Levante
Position: Forward
Age: 22
Transfer Insights
Karl Etta Eyong has been linked with Arsenal, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona. CSKA Moscow reportedly had a €30 million offer rejected. Eyong has expressed a preference to join Chelsea because of the club’s long history of developing and signing African stars such as Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto’o.
Performance Snapshot
| Matches | Goals | Key Attributes |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 5 | Strong physique, intelligent link-up play, clinical finisher |
AFCON Significance
A strong performance at AFCON could elevate Eyong’s profile on the international stage and attract top European clubs. It is an opportunity to demonstrate his ability to perform against Africa’s best, show tactical intelligence in link-up play, and prove that he can be a decisive player in high-pressure matches. This tournament could determine whether he makes the jump to one of Europe’s elite clubs in the next transfer window.
2. Yves Bissouma – Mali → Seeking Fresh Start
Current Club: Tottenham Hotspur
Position: Midfielder
Age: 26
Current Situation
Bissouma has fallen out of favor under new Tottenham coach Thomas Frank. Approaching the end of his contract in 2026, he has not played a single minute under the Danish coach this season.
AFCON Significance
For Bissouma, AFCON is a crucial chance to prove that he still has the quality to perform at the highest level. By performing well, he can demonstrate to European clubs that he remains a reliable and dynamic midfielder. It is also a chance to rebuild his confidence and showcase leadership in Mali’s midfield, potentially opening doors for a transfer in January.
3. Carlos Baleba – Cameroon → Midfield Maestro
Current Club: Brighton & Hove Albion
Position: Midfielder
Age: 19
Current Situation
Baleba was linked with Manchester United last season but joined Brighton instead. He has struggled to replicate his previous form, which may have been affected by transfer speculation over the summer.
AFCON Significance
AFCON provides Baleba with the perfect stage to regain focus and consistency. A strong showing can demonstrate that he has matured mentally and can handle pressure, helping him rebuild his reputation and attract interest from clubs in the Premier League or elsewhere in Europe.
4. Noah Sadiki – DR Congo → Emerging Star
Current Club: Sunderland
Position: Midfielder
Age: 20
Current Situation
Sadiki has quickly become a key player for DR Congo after making his international debut last year. He has impressed at Sunderland and is being monitored by clubs such as Manchester United and Chelsea.
AFCON Significance
AFCON is an opportunity for Sadiki to show that he can perform consistently at senior international level. His performances could convince top clubs that he is ready to make the step up to a more competitive league. He can also gain valuable experience playing against some of the continent’s top talents, which can accelerate his development.
5. Samuel Chukwueze – Nigeria → Rediscovering Form
Current Club: Fulham (on loan from AC Milan)
Position: Winger
Age: 26
Current Situation
Chukwueze has contributed five goals or assists in his last five Premier League games. Fulham has a €28 million clause to sign him permanently from AC Milan, but other clubs could take notice if he shines at AFCON.
AFCON Significance
For Chukwueze, AFCON is a platform to solidify his return to form and showcase his attacking prowess. A standout tournament can demonstrate his ability to influence games consistently and make him an attractive target for bigger clubs in Europe. It also allows him to prove his value outside of the Premier League environment.
6. Ademola Lookman – Nigeria → In Search of Stability
Current Club: Atalanta
Position: Winger
Age: 28
Current Situation
Lookman has not matched the form he showed in previous seasons at Atalanta and has had issues with club management.
AFCON Significance
AFCON gives Lookman the chance to remind observers of his capabilities and reinvigorate his career. He can demonstrate creativity, agility, and goal-scoring ability on a prominent stage, which may prompt interest from clubs such as Tottenham or Galatasaray. It is an opportunity to showcase his experience and leadership in a tournament setting.
7. Tochukwu Nnadi – Nigeria → Belgian Prodigy
Current Club: Zulte Waregem
Position: Midfielder
Age: 22
Current Situation
Nnadi has impressed in Belgium and earned a surprise call-up to Nigeria’s AFCON squad.
AFCON Significance
The tournament is a chance for Nnadi to prove he can compete at a higher level and demonstrate his energy, technical ability, and determination. Strong performances could lead to interest from Premier League clubs, helping him make a step up to a more competitive environment.
8. Yan Diomande – Ivory Coast → European Sensation
Current Club: RB Leipzig
Position: Winger
Age: 20
Current Situation
Diomande has made a big impact at Leipzig, including a hat-trick in a 6-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt. Top clubs in Europe are monitoring him closely.
AFCON Significance
AFCON offers Diomande the opportunity to demonstrate his skill against elite African defenders and show his ability to influence games at an international level. Excelling at the tournament can strengthen his reputation and potentially lead to a transfer to one of Europe’s top clubs.
9. Mamadou Sangare – Mali → Rising Midfield Power
Current Club: Lens
Position: Midfielder
Age: 23
Current Situation
Sangare has impressed for Lens, who are currently challenging at the top of Ligue 1.
AFCON Significance
AFCON is a platform for Sangare to showcase his technical skills, physical presence, and vision on a bigger stage. A standout tournament can enhance his visibility among elite European clubs and position him for a significant transfer move in January or the next summer window.
10. Mohamed Salah – Egypt → Transfer Speculation Continues
Current Club: Liverpool
Position: Forward
Age: 32
Current Situation
Salah has faced mixed form and a tense relationship with Liverpool manager Arne Slot. Despite signing a new contract, speculation about his future continues.
AFCON Significance
For Salah, AFCON represents a chance to cement his legacy by potentially winning the continent’s most prestigious trophy. Exceptional performances can also shape his next career move, whether to Saudi Arabia, Galatasaray, or Major League Soccer. This tournament allows him to demonstrate that he can still perform at the highest level while helping Egypt contend for the title.
AFCON Transfer Watch Table
| Player | Age | Current Club | Potential Destination |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karl Etta Eyong | 22 | Levante | Chelsea / Arsenal |
| Yves Bissouma | 26 | Tottenham | TBD |
| Carlos Baleba | 19 | Brighton | Manchester United |
| Noah Sadiki | 20 | Sunderland | Chelsea / United |
| Samuel Chukwueze | 26 | Fulham (loan) | Multiple options |
| Ademola Lookman | 28 | Atalanta | Tottenham / Galatasaray |
| Tochukwu Nnadi | 22 | Zulte Waregem | Premier League sides |
| Yan Diomande | 20 | RB Leipzig | Top European Clubs |
| Mamadou Sangare | 23 | Lens | Chelsea / Spurs / Man U |
| Mohamed Salah | 32 | Liverpool | Saudi / Galatasaray / MLS |