The transfer season is a busy time for European soccer, and this includes the January transfer window which falls in the middle of the season.
As it often happens at this stage of the campaign, numerous African players were the subject of transfers from one team to another in order for sides to strengthen their squads going forward into the second part of the season.
Some players left clubs in search for glory with new teams, while many clubs have taken the opportunity to bolster their sides with the addition of African soccer stars.
We take a closer look at 12 of the African players who have made moves during the January transfer season.
Togo striker Adebayor has been without a club for this entire season thus far, but his performances for the Togo national team has landed him an 18-month contract from Turkish surprise package Istanbul Basaksehir, and he grabbed it with both hands.
Jordan Ayew
Andre Ayew’s younger brother made a move away from Aston Villa while at the 2017 AFCON with Ghana, joining Premier League side Swansea City. The 25-year old signed for the Swans on deadline day, after asking his older brother about the club he left for West Ham in August last year.
Odion Ighalo
Nigerian striker Ighalo moved from Watford in the English Premier League to Chinese club Changchun Yatai for a fee of $24.8 million, with an additional $6.2 million to be paid to Watford depending on the player’s performances. The 27-year-old was arguably the Hornets’ best player in 2015, scoring 30 goals during the year.
John Obi Mikel
The Chelsea veteran has been the subject of transfer speculation for the last year, and he finally completed a move away from the London club, choosing to make his way to China as part of the player exodus to the far east. The 29-year-old joined Chinese Super League club Tianjin TEDA, where he will earn around $174,000 a week.
Alfred N’Diaye
The Paris-born Senegal international was a deadline day capture for Hull City coach Marco Silva, and the Portuguese tactician will be pleased to have added the services of the uncompromising midfielder to his list of players.
Wilfred Ndidi
English Premier League club Leicester City completed the signing of Nigerian midfielder Wilfred Ndidi from Belgian club Genk in January in a deal worth $18 million that will see him remain at the current Premier League champions for five and a half years.
Keagan Dolly
South African midfielder Dolly made a switch from Mamelodi Sundowns to French club Montpellier in a four and a half year deal worth $1.8 million after agreeing personal terms and passing a medical to complete his move from Sundowns.
Adlene Guedioura
Middlesbrough completed the signing of Algeria midfielder Adlene Guedioura from Premier League side Watford on a two and a half year deal for an undisclosed fee, giving the 31-year-old a new home at the North East club.
Lacina Traore
La Liga minnows Sporting Gijon signed Ivorian international striker Lacina Traore on loan from Monaco in January in an effort to strengthen their squad for their relegation battle. He scored six goals in 21 appearances on loan at CSKA this season, and the Spanish side will hope for similar form in La Liga.
Adama Traore
Malian midfielder Adama Traore completed a transfer to Portuguese club Rio Ave on loan from Monaco in January. The player of the tournament at the 2015 Under-20 World Cup has struggled to settle in France, and will look to kick-start his career in Portugal.
Aaron Samuel
Nigeria striker Aaron Samuel signed a four and a half year contract with Russian champions CSKA Moscow after impressing with three goals in ten games for the Russian outfit in a loan spell from Guanghzou R&F.
Taye Taiwo
Former Nigeria international Taye Taiwo signed a six-month contract with Swiss club Lausanne Sport, leaving HJK Helsinki in the process. The former AC Milan and Marseille left-back is 31 years old and hopeful of a few more positive years as a professional before retirement.