Transfer window: five players who need a new club before AFCON 2025

Vincent Aboubakar (Cameroon, free agent)

Iconic captain of the Indomitable Lions, Vincent Aboubakar is a free agent after his contract with Hatayspor was terminated by mutual consent. The Cameroonian striker scored 8 goals and provided 2 assists in 28 Süper Lig appearances last season and remains a major asset for Marc Brys. Despite his status as the national team's established goalscorer (44 goals in 104 caps), he is struggling to bounce back after AFCON 2024, where he arrived short of full fitness.

Since that tournament, he has scored 8 goals in 12 games for the national team, proving he remains indispensable. His stock in Turkey is still high: newly promoted Kocaelispor are working to bring him in. With 52 goals in 116 games in the Turkish league, a return to a familiar environment could be ideal to get his career back on track before AFCON.

Chancel Mbemba (DR Congo, contract expiring at Marseille)

Sidelined all season by Marseille, Chancel Mbemba has not played since May 2024. At 30, the Congolese defender is officially leaving Marseille at the end of his contract. An undroppable figure for the Leopards (85 caps), he is one of the pillars of Sébastien Desabre's project. The coach dreams of World Cup qualification and a successful AFCON. Wanted by Paris FC, who have been promoted to Ligue 1, Mbemba is an attractive target thanks to his experience. But he needs regular playing time if he is to shine in Morocco. Another lost season is out of the question for him and those around him.

Krépin Diatta (Senegal, Monaco)

Converted into a right-back for the Lions, Krépin Diatta is struggling to establish himself at Monaco. He has started only 5 times in Ligue 1 and the Champions League this season, and his lack of match rhythm was painfully obvious in the friendlies against Ireland and England.
At 26, the former Club Brugge player needs to move to a club where he will get game time to keep his place with the Lions. Senegal, drawn in a tough AFCON group, will need Diatta sharp.

Ibrahim Sangaré (Ivory Coast, Nottingham Forest)

Held back by injuries and barely used this season (just 770 minutes), Ibrahim Sangaré has never really got his Premier League career going. Under contract until 2028, the former PSV player could benefit from a fresh start. OGC Nice, under Franck Haise, are reportedly interested, as are Rennes, where Habib Beye would like to pair him with Seko Fofana. Forest's board are asking for 20 million euros to release their midfielder. It is one to watch closely for the Elephants, who are counting on a fit Sangaré to defend their continental title.

Moussa Niakhaté (Senegal, Lyon)

With OL's administrative relegation to Ligue 2 imposed by the DNCG, the future of Moussa Niakhaté looks sealed. Signed for 30 million euros from Nottingham Forest, the Lions centre-back (12 caps) needs to find a new home quickly.
Partnering Kalidou Koulibaly in the national side, Niakhaté is a key piece of the defence. Six months out from AFCON and with crucial qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup approaching, he needs to be playing in a competitive environment. His market value in Germany and England suggests a transfer should not be long in coming.

To shine on the continental stage, Africa's stars need to arrive in Morocco at the peak of their powers. The summer transfer window therefore looks decisive for these key players, who cannot afford a lost season. Their club futures will shape their performances in national colours. The clock is ticking.