The 2026 winter transfer window, which officially ran from January 1 to February 2, offered clubs a chance to strengthen their squads mid-season and chase their objectives. African players were among the most active, securing high-profile moves to Europe’s top clubs and beyond.
Here are four of the most expensive African transfers completed during the month-long window:
1. Antoine Semenyo (€72 million) – Bournemouth to Manchester City
Ghanaian winger Antoine Semenyo topped the charts as the most expensive African player in the January 2026 window after Manchester City activated his €72 million release clause from Bournemouth. The 26-year-old had drawn attention from several top English clubs thanks to his standout performances for the Cherries.
Semenyo has hit the ground running at the Etihad Stadium, scoring four goals and providing one assist in six appearances. Impressively, he found the net in each of his first two matches, signaling a promising start to his City career.
2. Ademola Lookman (€40 million) – Atalanta to Atletico Madrid
Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman finally completed his move from Atalanta to Atletico Madrid for a total fee of €40 million, including €35 million fixed and €5 million in add-ons. The 28-year-old had been denied a move last summer when Atalanta rejected multiple offers but has now joined the Spanish giants.
During his time in Italy, Lookman scored 55 goals and registered 27 assists, including a memorable hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League final, helping Atalanta lift their first European trophy with a 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen. He could make his debut for Atletico Madrid in their Copa del Rey last-eight clash against Real Betis.
3. George Ilenikhena (€33 million) – Monaco to Al Ittihad
19-year-old forward George Ilenikhena, eligible for Nigeria, moved from AS Monaco to Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad for a €33 million fee (€30 million fixed, €3 million in performance-related add-ons).
This transfer makes Ilenikhena the most expensive Nigerian teenager in football history, surpassing the £16 million Chelsea paid for 19-year-old John Obi Mikel in 2006. The young striker now embarks on a new chapter in Saudi Arabia after impressing in Ligue 1.
4. Sidiki Cherif (€25 million) – Angers to Fenerbahce
Guinea-born striker Sidiki Cherif ranks fourth among the top African transfers of January 2026. The 19-year-old joined Fenerbahce in a loan-to-buy agreement, with an initial loan fee of €4 million, followed by a €18 million permanent transfer this summer and €3 million in add-ons.
Cherif had previously been close to a move to Crystal Palace, but the deal collapsed over disagreements regarding the transfer fee and payment terms. The young forward now looks to make his mark in the Turkish Süper Lig.
