The winter transfer window for the 2026/27 season will open in January 2027, giving clubs the opportunity to strengthen their squads midway through the campaign and boost their chances of competing for titles.
Several African players could be on the move during the window, with some continuing to attract interest from other clubs while others may look for a fresh start after struggling for regular playing time at their current teams. A move in January could give them the chance to secure more minutes and take the next step in their careers.
Here are five African stars who could be on the move in January.
Victor Boniface
Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface could leave Bayer Leverkusen in the coming months as he looks to revive his career after a troubled spell.
Boniface joined the club in 2023 and was initially a very important player before he started to suffer recurrent injury troubles.
The Nigerian striker’s fitness concerns saw him lose his place in the team and he is now behind two other strikers in the pecking order at the club. He has managed just a few minutes of action this season and will be targeting an exit to revive his career.
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Brahim Diaz
Morocco forward Brahim Diaz is another player who could be on the move in the next few months in search of more playing time. The 27-year-old has seen his playing time at Real Madrid reduce more this season with the arrival of Jose Mourinho and Yan Diomande.
Diomande’s presence means Diaz is now further behind in the list and might need a move away from the club to be assured of more playing time.
Zadok Yohanna
Another player who could get an exit from his current club in January is Nigerian youngster Zadok Yohanna. The 19-year-old joined Brighton in the summer from AIK in the biggest deal in the history of the Swedish league.
However, playing time has been difficult to come by given the high level of competition at the Seagulls, as well as Yohanna’s fitness concerns.
Therefore, a loan move could suit the Nigerian youngster and help him continue his development.
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Assane Diao
Como forward Assane Diao is another player who has been heavily topped to make a big move in the winter transfer window.
The Senegalese winger has enjoyed a remarkable rise in his career and has become one of the most sought after African youngsters in Europe.
Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool are among the clubs really keen on finalizing a deal with Como and an agreement for his exit could be reached during the January transfer window and would see him end his stay at the Italian club.
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Cristian Kofane
Bayer Leverkusen young forward Cristian Kofane was heavily linked with an exit during the summer with strong interest from Arsenal. However, a move did not materialize, and he eventually stayed at the Bundesliga club.
With Victor Gyokeres out of Mikel Arteta’s plans at the moment and their failure to sign Julian Alvarez, then Arsenal could return with a much improved offer for the young Cameroon forward in January and an agreement would see him embark on the next phase of his career in the Premier League.
