Several Ivorian internationals made decisive moves as the winter transfer window drew to a close, using the final hours of the market to reposition themselves ahead of key international deadlines.
With qualification for the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Jérémie Boga, Seko Fofana and Evann Guessand each opted for a change of club, seeking regular football and renewed momentum at the highest level.
Jérémie Boga appears set for a high-profile return to Italian football, with Juventus poised to secure the 29-year-old winger on loan, including an option to buy estimated at €5m, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The move would mark a fresh start after a difficult period at OGC Nice, where Boga had been sidelined following tensions with supporters in late November.
Italy remains a familiar and productive setting for the winger, who previously impressed in Serie A with Sassuolo before continuing his career at Atalanta.
His form has been less consistent since returning to Ligue 1, but Juventus offers an environment accustomed to expectation and pressure.
The switch presents a timely opportunity for Boga to re-establish himself and strengthen his case for selection after missing the Africa Cup of Nations.
⚪️⚫️ Jeremie Boga arrives to undergo medical tests and sign at Juventus on loan from OGC Nice.
€5m buy option clause not mandatory. pic.twitter.com/HThUxwW1zk
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 1, 2026
Seko Fofana has also chosen a new direction, with the 30-year-old midfielder set to join FC Porto on loan until the end of the season.
Short of regular minutes at Stade Rennais, the Ivory Coast international will work under coach Francesco Farioli as he looks to restart his campaign.
Having already played in France, England, Italy and Saudi Arabia, Fofana is preparing to test himself in Portuguese football, with his arrival and medical examination expected on Sunday.
Evann Guessand completes the trio of late movers.
🚨🐉 Seko Fofana to FC Porto, here we go! Loan deal agreed until the end of the season.
Rennes accepted all conditions of loan deal, Fofana will travel to Portugal today for medical tests.
All set for Fofana to Porto. 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/wdQpdTEG8s
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 1, 2026
The 24-year-old striker has struggled to settle at Aston Villa since his €35m transfer last summer and will now remain in the Premier League after agreeing a loan move to Crystal Palace.
The deal includes an option to buy set at €30m. Palace, currently 15th in the table and reshaping their attacking options, are expected to offer Guessand increased responsibility, particularly with Jean-Philippe Mateta likely to leave for AC Milan.
As the window shuts, the shared aim among the three players is clear: regain form, secure playing time and strengthen their standing with the Ivory Coast national team during a crucial phase of the international calendar.
