Photo by Braden Hopkins via Unsplash
With AFCON 2025 fast approaching in Morocco (Dec. 21 – Jan. 18), Premier League clubs are preparing for significant mid-season changes. Updated squad data shows that up to 45 Premier League players are expected to join their national teams, leaving their clubs during one of the busiest parts of the English calendar.
Some teams will be hit lightly. Others face an exodus that could reshape their lineups for weeks.
Here is the club-by-club breakdown of players expected to depart for AFCON 2025.
Sunderland: The Most Affected Squad (7 Players)
Sunderland face the biggest challenge, with seven players expected to leave for national duty:
- Bertrand Traoré (Burkina Faso)
- Arthur Masuaku (DR Congo)
- Noah Sadiki (DR Congo)
- Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast)
- Chemsdine Talbi (Morocco)
- Reinildo (Mozambique)
- Habib Diarra (Senegal)
These absences stretch the team across nearly every line.
Wolves: Five Key Departures
- Jackson Tchatchoua (Cameroon)
- Emmanuel Agbadou (Ivory Coast)
- Tolu Arokodare (Nigeria)
- Marshall Munetsi (Zimbabwe)
- Tawanda Chirewa (Zimbabwe)
The midfield and defensive lines are most impacted.
Crystal Palace:
- Ismaïla Sarr (Senegal)
Could also feature:
- Cheick Doucouré (Mali)
- Chadi Riad (Morocco)
- Christantus Uche (Nigeria)
These potential losses will influence squad depth.
Nottingham Forest:
- Ibrahim Sangaré (Ivory Coast)
Possible call-ups:
- Willy Boly (Ivory Coast)
- Ola Aina (Nigeria)
- Taiwo Awoniyi (Nigeria)
Forest remain one of the most AFCON-heavy squads in the league.
Manchester United: Three Departures
Manchester United will lose three important players:
- Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon)
- Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast)
- Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco)
These absences will influence both wings and defensive options.
Fulham: Three Nigerian Internationals
- Alex Iwobi (Nigeria)
- Calvin Bassey (Nigeria)
- Samuel Chukwueze (Nigeria)
A significant structural gap across midfield and defense.
Burnley: Three International Starters
- Axel Tuanzebe (DR Congo)
- Lyle Foster (South Africa)
- Hannibal Mejbri (Tunisia)
Burnley will need careful rotations during this period.
Everton:
- Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal)
- Idrissa Gana Gueye (Senegal)
Possible:
- Adam Aznou (Morocco)
Manchester City: Two High-Impact Absences
- Rayan Aït-Nouri (Algeria)
- Omar Marmoush (Egypt)
Marmoush, a recent arrival at City, will be a notable loss up front.
Brentford: Two Key Departures
- Dango Ouattara (Burkina Faso)
- Frank Onyeka (Nigeria)
Both influence Brentford’s transitions and physical style.
Tottenham:
- Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal)
Could feature:
- Yves Bissouma (Mali)
Midfield depth will be tested.
West Ham United:
- Aaron Wan-Bissaka (DR Congo)
Possible:
- El Hadji Malick Diouf (Senegal)
The defensive impact for West Ham is notable.
Liverpool: Salah’s Absence
Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
A single departure, but one of the most influential players in the league.
Aston Villa: One Absence
- Evann Guessand (Ivory Coast)
Brighton: One Rising Talent Departs
- Carlos Baleba (Cameroon)
Bournemouth: One Departure
- Amine Adli (Morocco)
Bournemouth will adjust attacking options.
Newcastle United: One Possible Call-Up
Could feature:
- Yoane Wissa (DR Congo)
Clubs Not Affected
- Arsenal: 0 players departing
- Chelsea: 0 players departing
- Leeds United: 0 players departing
These teams retain full continuity during AFCON.
A Difficult Window for Managers
The timing of AFCON 2025 introduces unusual pressure on coaching staffs. The Premier League will continue through Christmas fixtures, New Year clashes, and FA Cup rounds, all while clubs lose key internationals for several weeks.
Teams could miss players for six to seven Premier League matches, depending on how far their national teams progress.
Analysts note that these mid-season departures often force:
- tactical reshuffles,
- increased reliance on academy players,
- defensive adjustments,
- and short-term changes in pressing or possession structures.
Transfer Market Decisions Could Shift
With AFCON arriving just before the January window, clubs may look for reinforcement options earlier or adjust their winter strategy. Some teams might accelerate loan recalls or target short-term signings to cover key positions.
Others could take a calculated risk, trusting young players to step into the spotlight.
For the Players: A Continental Stage Worth the Sacrifice
For African internationals, AFCON remains one of the most important competitions of their careers, a stage of pride, identity, and continental rivalry. While their absence complicates club planning, the tournament offers athletes the chance to lead their nations in a major event hosted in Morocco.
A Unique Mid-Season Challenge Ahead
AFCON 2025 is shaping up to influence the Premier League far beyond a simple fixture overlap. With nearly every club affected, the competition will test the depth, adaptability, and long-term planning of English teams.
As Morocco finalizes preparations for the tournament, Premier League managers now begin their own countdown, one defined by rotation, resilience, and creative solutions.
Related:
