Transfers: Top African players move clubs around Europe

Ademola Lookman, Atlético Madrid on pole
Eager to leave  Atalanta since last summer after several seasons, Ademola Lookman is approaching a new challenge. Already close to a start this winter, notably towards Fenerbahçe, the Nigerian striker comes out of a successful AFCON (4 goals and 4 assists in 6 matches), which has strengthened his rating.

According to Sky Italia, Atletico Madrid and Atalanta have found common ground around an amount exceeding 40 million euros, including bonuses. The contractual discussions with the Madrid club are also progressing. His absence from the group for the match against Como fuels the hypothesis of an imminent transfer in the last days of the transfer window.

Cheikh Sabaly (FC Metz) to Vancouver
Senegalese attacking midfielder Cheikh Sabaly is very close to a start towards the MLS. FC Metz and Vancouver Whitecaps FC are negotiating a transfer estimated at about 1 million euros. Trained at Génération Foot and arrived in Lorraine in 2018, Sabaly was a major artisan of the comeback last season (15 goals). Six months before the end of their contract, Metz is trying to improve an offer deemed lower than those received last summer (up to nearly 4 million euros, including bonuses from Middlesbrough).

Himad Abdelli, OM relaunches the file
Discussions around the Algerian midfielder Himad Abdelli has resumed. On standby since January 17, negotiations have been relaunched between Olympique de Marseille and Angers SCO. The player still wants to join OM this winter. The SCO, aware of the approaching end of the contract (five months), remains however vigilant and intends to avoid a sell-off, even if Marseille has moved closer to the requirements of Angers.

Terem Moffi loaned to FC Porto
As expected, FC Porto has officialised the arrival of Terem Moffi from OGC Nice. The Nigerian striker joins the Portuguese club in the form of a loan with a non-mandatory purchase option, valid until the end of the season.
This move should allow Moffi to regain playing time and confidence in a demanding European context, with Porto aiming for an immediate impact on the decisive phase of the season.

Papus Nasser Ouattara, a bet for the future in Reims
The Stade de Reims announced the arrival of Papus Nasser Ouattara, a 19-year-old Burkinabè striker. Born in 2006, he becomes the first player from Burkina Faso to wear the Red & White jersey. Already international with the local selection (4 matches, 1 goal), Ouattara is part of the Reims strategy for detecting and developing young African talents. The duration of the contract and the amount of the transfer have not been communicated.

Tolu Arokodare, standoff between Beşiktaş and Wolverhampton
According to the Turkish press, Beşiktaş saw a first 15 million euro offer rejected by Wolverhampton Wanderers for the Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare. In search of a number nine after the departure of Tammy Abraham to Aston Villa, the Istanbul club wants to offer an offensive solution to its coach Sergen Yalçın. Wolves, on the other hand, are inflexible and would claim a significantly higher amount, possibly double the initial offer.