The winter transfer window opened on January 1 and closed earlier this month, giving clubs the opportunity to strengthen their squad midway through the campaign as they chase their season’s objectives.
Several African players dominated the transfer headlines during the one-month long window. While some secured their desired moves, others were left disappointed and would have to wait again until the summer for another chance.
Here are five African players who missed out on moves during the winter transfer window.
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah was the biggest African star linked with an exit ahead of the transfer window after a public fallout with English club Liverpool. The former Chelsea forward inspired the Reds to a record-equaling 20th English top-flight title last season, but had seen his influence reduced this campaign.
The 33-year-old was benched for three consecutive matches in December for the first time in his Liverpool career and was heavily linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League in January. However, a move never materialized, although he remains one to watch heading into the summer.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio)
Nigerian midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru was close to an exit from Italian club Lazio in search of regular playing minutes during the winter transfer window, with interest from the likes of Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest, Sunderland and Trabzonspor.
However, Lazio were unwilling to sell the 24-year-old and reportedly rejected multiple bids for his signature, opting to retain him as they push for a return to European football.
January window: Five Nigerian stars who missed out on transfer moves
Karl Etta Eyong (Levante)
Cameroon forward Karl Etta Eyong caught the attention of several clubs across Europe after an impressive start to life at Spanish club Levante, after joining from Villarreal last summer. The 22-year-old scored once at the 2025 AFCON tournament and was tipped for a transfer last month.
Despite strong interest, the club’s CEO refused to sanction a sale for the youngster and reportedly rejected a €30 million offer from Russian club CSKA Moscow for his signature during the winter transfer window.
Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge)
Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika was on the verge of joining Turkish champions Galatasaray after the 2025 AFCON tournament, with both clubs reaching an agreement over a transfer fee.
Premier League club Aston Villa also expressed their interest in the Nigerian midfielder amid their injury crisis, but neither move materialized leaving Onyedika to remain at Club Brugge at least until the end of the season.
Galatasaray agree deal for Raphael Onyedika: €28m fee – Full transfer breakdown
Yan Diomande (RB Leipzig)
Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande attracted interest from multiple European heavyweights, but RB Leipzig’s hefty asking price appeared to put off potential suitors.
The 19-year-old was strongly linked to Liverpool as a possible replacement for Salah, although the transfer did not happen as the Egyptian remained at Anfield.
