Attention Manchester United supporters: you might want to look away.
As the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament approaches, Premier League managers are preparing for potential mid-season disruptions. With the 2025 edition kicking off in Morocco just days before Christmas on December 21, some clubs may not only lose pivotal players but also see a significant drop in their squad’s overall market value—an issue that could greatly impact their season when squad depth is crucial.
The potential absence of key players affects everyone, from title contenders missing star forwards to mid-tier teams reliant on talented African midfielders and defenders. Using market values from Transfermarkt as a reference, the financial implications vary greatly between clubs, revealing those most vulnerable to the AFCON’s player departures. Transfermarkt provides a detailed analysis of how much market value each Premier League team may lose to AFCON 2025, suggesting that their January strategies could be influenced more by this tournament than by transfer market dynamics.
Impact of AFCON on Premier League Teams
Manchester United is poised to face the most substantial loss in market value. Players such as Bryan Mbeumo (€70m), Amad Diallo (€40m), and Noussair Mazraoui (€25m) represent a combined talent worth €135m, which the club may miss. The absence of Mbeumo and Diallo means losing the entire right flank of their attack, one of the team’s most effective areas this season. Following closely are their local rivals Manchester City, who might lose Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush (€75m) and Algerian defender Rayan Aït-Nouri (€40m), though neither has been a consistent starter this season.
Sunderland ranks third and may be significantly affected, potentially missing as many as seven players valued at €107m combined. Crystal Palace is fourth, with €77m worth of talent likely to be absent, including key player Ismaïla Sarr (€30m). In fifth place, Wolverhampton is set to lose five players worth a total of €73m. Meanwhile, Premier League champions Liverpool are positioned 11th, facing the loss of star player Mohamed Salah (€45m) to Egypt. Teams like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Leeds are expected to be the least impacted, as none have players who qualify for AFCON within their first team.
