The 2026 winter transfer window ran from January 1 to February 2, with several African players securing moves to new clubs in pursuit of new challenges and improved wages.
While some have quickly settled in and are already delivering for their new clubs, others are still trying to find their feet in the new leagues.
This article takes a look at five players that have already impressed since making moves during the winter transfer window.
Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City)
Only few players can boast of the immediate impact of Ghanaian winger Antoine Semenyo at Manchester City, with his goalscoring performances helping Pep Guardiola’s side to remain in the race for the English Premier League title.
The 26-year-old joined City earlier in January for a fee of around £65 million and scored on his debut, during a 10-1 thrashing of Exeter City in the FA Cup third round. Semenyo has now scored seven times and provided two assists from 12 appearances across all competitions for Manchester City, placing him top of this list.
Semenyo urges Manchester City to maintain winning run in EPL title chase
Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid)
Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman got his long-awaited exit from Atalanta during the winter transfer window, moving to Spain to join Atletico Madrid in a deal worth about €40 million.
The 28-year-old, who had impressed at the 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament before making the switch, immediately scored on his debut for the club and already has four goals and three assists from nine appearances across all competitions since the move.
Lookman and four other most expensive African players in La Liga history
Frank Onyeka (Coventry City)
Although he is yet to score since joining Coventry City on loan during the winter transfer window, only few can match the impact of Nigerian midfielder Frank Onyeka since arriving at the Sky Blues.
The 28-year-old has been an engine in the midfield and has helped the club to four consecutive league wins, which has put them back in contention for an automatic qualification to the Premier League at the end of the season.
The Super Eagles midfielder was also named the player of the match during the 2-0 win over West Bromwich Albion in February, after an impressive shift in the centre of the pitch.
Umar Sadiq (Valencia)
Umar Sadiq sealed a return to Valencia in January, this time on a permanent deal after a disastrous spell at Spanish side Real Sociedad.
The Nigerian forward has scored three times and provided one assist across all competitions since making his debut for the club, including a match-winning performance in a 2-0 win over Levante last month which lifted them away from the relegation zone.
Umar Sadiq move to Valencia: €5m fee + wages – Full transfer breakdown
Sidiki Cherif (Fenerbahce)
Guinea-born forward Sidiki Cherif joined Fenerbahce from Angers, as the Turkish giants strengthened during the winter transfer window to help their title challenge.
The young attacker already has two goals for the club from five appearances, with his most important contribution coming during the 2-2 draw against Antalyaspor, which kept their title hopes alive.
