January will see the departures of several African players who have played important roles up to this point in the season for their respective clubs
The Africa Cup of Nations will kick off in January 2022, leaving a number of Premier League clubs without several key stars and at a crucial point of the season.
Some of the league’s top names, including the current top-scorer in Mohamed Salah of Liverpool and Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City.
As we approach the African Tournament TeamKenya looks at the top Five African stars in the Premier League who will depart their respective clubs come January.
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool/Egypt)
Liverpool's Mohammed Salah is currently at the peak of his prime and is one of the best players in the world.
The 29-year-old Egyptian recently broke Didier Drogba’s record and is the highest-scoring African in Premier League history. Salah has 144 goals and 55 assists for the Reds in 223 appearances.
Liverpool's number 11 also has 43 goals and 24 assists to his name for his national side. Salah scored a couple of goals in the 2019 AFCON, but Egypt bowed out in the Round of 16 to South Africa.
The Egyptian will be a huge loss to Jurgen Klopp’s side. The winger will leave Liverpool in a tough spot even with the incredibly talented players that the Reds have in their squad.
Edouard Mendy (Chelsea/Senegal)
Edouard Mendy has been a revelation for Chelsea ever since he signed for the Blues from Rennes in 2020.
Mendy was born in France but his allegiance lies with Senegal and he will look to help his side win their first AFCON.
Mendy has kept 36 clean sheets for Chelsea in just 64 appearances. The 29-year-old has been a game-changer with his saves in several crucial games.
The 29-year-old also has the record for most clean sheets in a single UEFA Champions League season, having kept nine in the 2020-21 season. Mendy was also named the UEFA Goalkeeper of the Season that year.
There is no doubt that Chelsea will be severely affected by Mendy’s absence between the sticks during AFCON.
Sadio Mane (Liverpool/Senegal)
Sadio Mane is one of the best forwards in the Premier League right now. There is no doubt that his lethal finishing and eye for goal will provide a boost to his national side.
The Senegalese has been a superb signing for Liverpool, having joined the Reds from Southampton back in 2016.
The pacy winger has scored 106 goals in 238 appearances for the Reds, including seven this season in the Premier League.
Mane has scored 26 goals and provided 18 assists in 80 appearances for his national team but Senegal have never won the AFCON. If Mane can be at his unstoppable best, they will certainly have a chance.
He has always been a key player for Jurgen Klopp’s side and will be dearly missed in the Premier League come January.
Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City/Algeria)
Riyad Mahrez has had his fair share of achievements in football, including the winner’s medal in the 2019 AFCON.
The 2016 Premier League Player of the Season is a joy to watch on the wing with silky skills and a magical left foot.
The Algerian has helped Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on quite a few occasions despite having to compete for places in a squad brimming with talent.
Mahrez has scored 47 goals and provided 39 assists for Man City since joining the club in 2018. Manchester City’s incredible squad depth is one aspect that will make up for the winger's absence next month when the AFCON gets underway.
Mahrez is captain of the Algerian national team and has scored 26 goals and provided 34 assists so far for them as he looks to defend the AFCON title and achieve glory once again.
Emmanuel Dennis (Watford/Nigeria)
Emmanuel Dennis joined Watford from Club Brugge in the summer. While there were doubts about his ability to adjust to the Premier League, Dennis has already put in several impressive performances for Watford. Being the clubs current top-scorer as well.
Dennis has scored seven goals and assisted five for Watford in the Premier League this season and is proving to be indispensable to Claudio Ranieri.
The Hornets, who are just two points off the relegation zone, are in desperate need of wins. Their survival chances will take a hit, with Dennis missing several games.
The forward is versatile and has adapted well to the Premier League, playing both centrally and on the wing.
Dennis has made just three appearances for the Nigerian national side but his current form certainly merits him playing time in the upcoming AFCON.