As we head into the final ten days of the January transfer window, we look back at the biggest move involving African players. In this list, we take a look at the five most notable transfers of African players so far.
5. Emmanuel Mayuka: After sealing a move to African giants Zamalek, Mayuka is set reignite the form that saw him rated as one of the best players in the Chipolopolo’s Cup of Nations-winning side. He struggled at French side Metz after spells at Southampton and Sochaux, and Egypt might just be the right environment for him to flourish without too much pressure.
4. Henri Saivet: With Jonjo Shelvey also signed by Newcastle United, and with the likes of Saido Berahino and Alexandre Lacazette mooted to be on the way, the addition of Henri Saivet might go under the radar. However, the former wonderkid winger, who now thrives as a dynamic box-to-box operator, could be the ideal catalyst for Newcastle’s surge up the table.
3. Kevin-Prince Boateng: The 28-year-old Ghanaian international has returned back to the Rossoneri on a free transfer with a bid to find his 2010/11 Scudetto-winning form. His return has injected much-needed energy and creativity to the club, lifting them up to sixth in the league. With a goal off the bench in his last match for the Lombardy giants, Boateng’s return looks like it might be the start of a magical story.
2. Nordin Amrabat: Watford have been one of the Premier League’s surprise packages this season, and the signing of Amrabat from Malaga is only sure to help their steady rise. Currently sitting in 12th place, the signing of the Moroccan is sure to boost their chances for a top-half finish. The North African is a winger-cum-striker, and Watford coach Quique Sanchez Flores will be hoping the new boy can ease the goalscoring burden on Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney.
1. Mohamed Elneny: Capped 40 times by Egypt, the 23-year-old midfielder made the big jump from FC Basel to Arsenal. Although the transfer is believed to have cost the Gunners £7 million, there is some talk that the figure was a few million more than that. He might not be the high-profile midfield general that the club’s fans wanted, but he can certainly provide a lift to the north London heavyweights’ title hopes. Beginning his career at Al Ahly, and going on to win the Swiss Super League three times in a row, Elneny certainly has the title-winning credentials Arsene Wenger’s side need.
Source: Goal.com
