Footballers across Europe are entering 2026 facing pivotal moments in their careers, with transfers, World Cup qualification battles, injury comebacks and title ambitions all in focus.

For Ghanaian fans, attention is firmly on Black Stars winger Antoine Semenyo, whose next move could elevate him into football’s elite. Here is a look at players expected to face defining moments in 2026, with strong Ghanaian interest.

Antoine Semenyo (Ghana / Bournemouth)
Antoine Semenyo heads into 2026 with momentum and mounting expectation.
The Bournemouth winger is reportedly close to a £65 million move to Manchester City after the Premier League champions triggered the release clause in his contract. The 25-year-old is expected to complete the transfer after a final appearance for the Cherries after Arsenal beat them 3-1 at home.

Semenyo has been one of the standout performers in the 2025/26 Premier League season, scoring nine goals and providing three assists to rank among the league’s leading scorers. His form has attracted interest from several top clubs, but City appear to have won the race.

For Ghana, the move could mark Semenyo’s breakthrough onto Europe’s biggest stage, including the UEFA Champions League. The challenge in 2026 will be forcing his way into Pep Guardiola’s highly competitive attacking line-up.

Troy Parrott (Republic of Ireland / AZ Alkmaar)
AZ Alkmaar striker Troy Parrott enters 2026 in strong form after scoring five goals in four days during an international window against Portugal and Hungary, helping the Republic of Ireland reach the World Cup play-offs.

At club level, the former Tottenham Hotspur forward has scored 16 goals in 22 matches this season. The 23-year-old could earn a move back to one of Europe’s top leagues if his form continues.

Nico O’Reilly (England / Manchester City)
Manchester City youngster Nico O’Reilly has enjoyed a rapid rise after being redeployed at left-back.
The 20-year-old earned his first two England caps in that position during World Cup qualifiers and has continued there for City, benefiting from injuries and absences in the squad. O’Reilly has a major opportunity in 2026 to cement his place at club and international level.

Eli Junior Kroupi (France / Bournemouth)
Bournemouth teenager Eli Junior Kroupi has made an impressive start to his Premier League career.
The 19-year-old scored his first four league goals at an average of one every 64 minutes, before reaching five goals before the midway point of his debut season. If he maintains consistency, 2026 could confirm his status as one of the league’s brightest young talents.

Harvey Elliott (England / Aston Villa – loan)
For Harvey Elliott, 2026 could prove decisive.
The Liverpool midfielder, currently on loan at Aston Villa, has struggled for game time, making just one appearance since early October. With no January move possible, Elliott faces the task of reviving his career either at Villa or on his return to Anfield.

Yoane Wissa (DR Congo / Newcastle United)
Yoane Wissa enters 2026 at a crossroads despite his £55 million move to Newcastle United.
An injury sustained on international duty delayed his debut, but the DR Congo forward has scored in his first two starts. With European football now part of his career for the first time, Wissa will be aiming to establish himself at the top level.

Igor Thiago (Brazil / Brentford)
Brentford striker Igor Thiago is pushing himself into Brazil’s World Cup discussion.
The 24-year-old, yet to earn an international cap, has scored 11 Premier League goals, placing him among the league’s top scorers. A 20-goal season could attract attention from Brazil selectors and interest from bigger clubs.

Cláudio Braga (Portugal / Hearts)
Cláudio Braga has emerged as one of Scottish football’s surprise performers.
The uncapped Portuguese forward has scored eight league goals for Hearts after arriving from Norway’s second tier, playing a key role in their Premiership title push. With no previous top-flight experience, 2026 could complete one of the season’s most remarkable rise stories.