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This year’s Africa Cup of Nations, which began on Sunday (21 December) concludes on 18 January, with the final set to be played at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco’s capital.Which ten players could change clubs after the AFCON is over?The timing of this year’s AFCON means that it is a great opportunity for the players keen for a new challenge, with the January transfer window fast approaching.They could be players that are seeking a new challenge or are out of favour with their current employers, such as the case of Liverpool’s key man, Egypt captain Mohamed Salah.Here are 10 players who could change clubs in the January transfer window• Karl Etta EyongEyong has been linked to a move to Arsenal, the current English Premier League leaders, among other European giants. The 22-year-old forward of Spanish club Levante, who can also play as attacking midfielder, is one that will make Arsenal fans keep an eye on Cameroon’s fixtures during this year’s Africa Cup of Nations.
He has also attracted the interest of Spanish giants, Barcelona and Real Madrid, however he is most prioritised by the Gunners, according to reports from Spain.The striker has been heavily scouted and linked with Arsenal rivals Chelsea, with the player himself expressing a strong desire to join due to his childhood admiration for club legend Didier Drogba and Chelsea’s African player history.“Chelsea was the English team I probably watched the most growing up because of [Didier] Drogba, and [Samuel] Eto’o later on,” he began. The 29-year-old was even dropped from Tottenham’s team for the match against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup, after he turned up late.As his contract in North London is approaching the end, he is yet to play a single minute for manager Thomas Frank since he took over at the club.
The DR Congo representative has been key part in Sunderland’s impressive start in the Prem, and the 20-year-old made his international debut only last year.United rivals Chelsea are also reported to be keeping an eye on the talented midfielder.• Samuel ChukwuezeThe Nigerian winger has had five goal contribution this season in the Premier League for Fulham in just as many games, and according to reports in Italy, Fulham might end up signing the player for good from Italian giants Milan. Tottenham and Galatasaray are reportedly the potential destinations for the 2024 African Footballer of the Year.• Tochukwu NnadiNnadi was seen as a surprise inclusion in Nigeria’s squad for the AFCON in Morocco, but his performances for Zulte Waregem in Belgium the past few months appear to have paid off for the midfielder.West Ham, Brighton, Leeds, Crystal Palace and Newcastle United are Premier League sides reported to be keeping an eye on the player.• Yan DiomandeThe Ivory Coast international, currently under contract at German club RB Leipzig, has reportedly caught the attention of three English giants: Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea, who are said to have sent their representatives in Morocco to watch the 19-year-old winger from up close.• Mamadou SangareThe 23-year-old Mali midfielder this season has been impressive in France for Ligue 1 leaders RC Lens, who are currently one point ahead of European champions PSG in the league table.His skills have alerted three English Premier League giants: Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham.• Mohamed SalahThe inclusion of Mohamed Salah’s name in the list seems to be inevitable, as the speculations on his future have never been louder, ever since he signed for English giants Liverpool in 2017.The Egypt captain penned a lucrative new deal in April, but his tense relationship with coach Arne Slot lately means that his future at Anfield is very uncertain.Many thought that the 33-year-old no longer had a future with the English champions after his mixed-zone interview following the draw with Leeds United, where he said that he was “thrown under the bus”.However, it is unlikely that his club future is where Salah will be focused on over the next four weeks, as his main objective will be to finally clinch the biggest title of the African continent.
