January transfer window: African players who are targets

The January transfer window opened on Sunday, January 1 2023 and it is expected to end on January 31st.

Some players from the African continent are in the news and tipped for a possible move before the window officially closes.

TGR Sports takes a look at some potential transfers by some of the continent’s key players making an impact in the world of football.

Mohammed Kudus

Linked with a move to Everton on transfer deadline day, Kudus ultimately stayed at Ajax, where he’s enjoyed a magnificent first half of the campaign.

He also excelled at the World Cup—with two goals—and while the Toffees desperately need him, surely he should be aiming higher than Goodison Park.

Surely the outstanding African striker in world football today, Osimhen currently leads the Serie A goalscoring charts with nine goals in 11 matches so far.

His form has underpinned Napoli’s sustained title charge, but will he stick around until the season’s end.

The forward has been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Manchester United tipped as a potential destination, while reported in the French media suggest that Paris Saint-Germain could also be considering the Super Eagles sensation.

Vincent Aboubakar

One of two veteran African forwards linked with a move to Manchester United, would Aboubakar fancy a shot at the Premier League this late in his career?

He’s reportedly being considered by United as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, who has joined Aboubakar’s current employers—Al Nassr—in Saudi Arabia.

The Africa Cup of Nations Golden Boot winner has scored goals in France, Portugal, Turkey and beyond, would he fare better than Odion Ighalo at Old Trafford?

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting

Out of contract at Bayern Munich this summer, and with the Bavarians apparently reluctant to agree terms with the ex-Paris Saint-Germain man, could Choupo-Moting also be a short-term solution for United?

He’s demonstrated Ballon d’Or-worthy form for Bayern this season, having had a hand in 12 goals in the space of nine games, and would he fancy another go in the Premier League, having previously represented Stoke City in the top flight?

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

One player who may be set for the Old Trafford exit door this window is Wan-Bissaka, who has largely struggled to live up to expectations since signing for United.

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He’s been linked with a move back to his former club—Crystal Palace—although having received praise from Erik ten Hag recently, could he yet enjoy a long-term future with the Red Devils?

Naby Keita

The end is surely near for Keita at Liverpool, with the midfielder coming to the end of his contract in the summer.

At £120k per week, the Reds may well prefer to cash in on the Guinea international sooner rather than later, with Keita looking rusty in recent outings against Aston Villa, Leicester City and Brentford.

Abdoulaye Doucoure

Despite his Premier League experience, and the class he demonstrated at Watford, Doucoure appears to be expendable at Everton, with Frank Lampard preferring other options in the heart of the midfield this term.

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The Mali international has fallen behind Amadou Onana, Tom Davies and Idrissa Gueye in the pecking order, and with Fulham circling, his days at Goodison Park appear numbered.

Sofyan Amrabat

The first of several members of Morocco’s World Cup squad to make this list, Amrabat was one of the stars of the tournament in Qatar, setting the tone for the Atlas Lions’ magnificent campaign.

His tackle on Kylian Mbappe in the semi-final summed up this fearless Fiorentina competitor, and both Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are understood to be considering a January move.

Hakim Ziyech

Another star of Morocco’s run to the semi, Ziyech’s form in Qatar contrasted sharply with his struggles at Chelsea, where the playmaker clearly doesn’t have the faith of Graham Potter.

He was linked with a move to AC Milan before the quadrennial showpiece, but will there be more interest in his services after his exploits in the Gulf?

Azzedine Ounahi

One of the revelations of the World Cup, Ounahi impressed with his work rate, technical prowess and use of the ball during the course of the campaign in Qatar, helping Morocco’s heroes reach the final four.

He was heavily linked with a move to Leicester City during the course of the tournament—Angers were understood to be holding out for a fee close to the £40 million mark—while Serie A leaders Napoli are also considering the 22-year-old.

Kalidou Koulibaly

KK only moved to Chelsea in the summer, but already there are doubts about his long-term future at the club.

He’s been linked with an immediate move back to Italy—with Internazionale—having struggled to truly impress under Thomas Tuchel or Graham Potter.

He’s been tipped as a potential replacement for Milan Skriniar, and it remains to be seen if new coach Potter would sanction a premature exit from West London.

Nicolas Jackson

Unai Emery is expected to dip into the January transfer window to bolster his attacking options, and one player he’s been tipped with is Senegal’s Jackson.

Marvelous Nakamba

One player set to be going the other way from Villa Park is Zimbabwe’s Nakamba, who surely has no future at the club.

Barely utilised under Steven Gerrard, his fortunes haven’t improved under Emery, and he’s yet to make a senior appearance this term.

Franck Kessie

Inspiring last term as AC Milan ended their decade-long wait for an Italian title, Kessie secured a free transfer to Barcelona on the back of that success.

Things haven’t gone to plan in Catalonia, with Kessie making just two league starts amidst competition from the likes of Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Sergio Busquets and Gavi.

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Both Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are reportedly considering a swoop for the 26-year-old Ivory Coast international.