The dust has settled on the transfer window across Europe's major leagues, but some of Africa's top stars remain caught in particularly uncomfortable situations.
Some failed to secure anticipated transfers, others have been marginalised from their squads following new arrivals, while some other high-profile free agents are on the outside looking in as players across the world get settled in at new clubs.
Lamine Camara
Less pressing than some of the others on this list, Camara must dust himself off and get back to work after the recent disappointment of his failed move to Chelsea.
The Senegal midfielder appeared primed for a £47 million deadline-day transfer to Chelsea only for Monaco to pull out of the move, leaving the 22-year-old unpacking his bags and facing up to another six months, at least, in the Principality.
He returned to action for on Friday -- playing 90 minutes in their 2-1 victory at Paris Saint-Germain -- appearing admirably unruffled after his deadline-day disappointment, but must now ensure that he continues to improve his game and not let the setback stymie his development.
Chemsdine Talbi
The Morocco wideman has been brought back down to earth with a bump after playing his part in the Atlas Lions' run to the World Cup quarterfinal. He was expected to build on a challenging first season with Sunderland in the Premier League with where he scored four in 28 outings, and still only 21, has time on his side as he looks to realise his potential.
However, the youngster has played just 31 minutes across the Black Cats' opening three matches, and having been omitted from their Europa League squad, had appeared to be surplus to requirements for Regis Le Bris's side this term.
A move to Al-Ittihad of had been mooted, amidst interest from Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, but the club's Director of Football Florent Ghisolfi has confirmed that the former Club Brugge man will now have to remain at the Stadium of Light and fight for his place.
"In the end, he will stay with us, and we are very happy because I think we all know the potential that Chemsdine has," Ghisolfi said, as per the Sunderland Echo, "and also the versatility.
"He can play on the left, can play on the right, and can play also behind the striker."
Rayan Aït-Nouri
Just over a year on from his would-be dream move, things aren't going to plan for Manchester City's Ait-Nouri. Injury problems and then the emergence of Nico O'Reilly limited his minutes -- and impact -- during his maiden season at the Etihad Stadium, with Ait-Nouri limited to 12 league starts.
He hadn't played a single minute of competitive action this term before a 15-minute cameo against FC Porto on Tuesday, but - as he demonstrated with an assist for Erling Haaland's second goal - still has a lot to offer as a swashbuckling presence down City's left.
Ait-Nouri was reportedly offered to Manchester United late in the window by the player's officials, although the Red Devils ultimately opted not to pursue a move.
With O'Reilly and Josko Gvardiol representing stiff competition at leftback, can the 25-year-old still be a success at the Etihad Stadium?
Yves Bissouma
One of the greatest free-agent assets still on the market, Bissouma may have lost his way after departing Brighton & Hove Albion for Tottenham Hotspur, but at 30, he still has much to offer.
The midfielder possesses extensive Premier League and international experience, and it was only four years ago that he was a £30 million central midfielder.
Recent reports suggest there's interest from Italy, while Chelsea have also been named as a potential destination for the Mali skipper after missing out on Senegal's Lamine Camara from AS Monaco.
It would be a fascinating next chapter for the dynamic midfielder as he looks to prove that his injury problems are behind him, and that the disciplinary issues that derailed his time at Spurs are firmly behind him.
Ismaël Bennacer
Bennacer is also available on a free after his contract with AC Milan was torn up last month. He spent seven years with the Rossoneri, after previous spells with Empoli and Arsenal, and, still only 28, should be entering his peak years if he can put his injury problems behind him.
The deep-lying playmaker acknowledged that he struggled to accept being overlooked for Algeria's provisional FIFA World Cup squad, and should have ample motivation to commit himself to a return to fitness.
He's struggled to return to his previous levels amidst loan moves to Marseille and Dinamo Zagreb, with knee and muscle problems bringing him down, but Bennacer's passing, tactical intelligence and ease in possession should ensure someone takes a punt on his enduring talent.
Ismaïla Sarr
Particularly in light of a superb World Cup for Senegal, this had looked like the transfer window when Sarr would secure a big move away from Crystal Palace, with both Liverpool and Galatasaray and understood to be monitoring the situation.
The winger is coming off the back of a 20+-goal season with the Eagles, and having removed references to Palace from his social handles, had appeared to already have made the emotional leap of moving away from south London.
Ultimately, the move never came, with Palace's failure to secure Lyon's Malick Fofana leaving them unable to replace the want-away 28-year-old.
Sarr hasn't been reintegrated back into the Palace team after having downed tools, and his immediate priority must be repairing his relationship with his employers.
After that, other may again come knocking in the January transfer window.
Wilfried Zaha
Another former Palace favourite who finds himself looking for work is Zaha, whose experience ought to sound a note of caution for Sarr, having failed to truly come close to rediscovering his former momentum since leaving three years ago.
At 33, he should still have something to offer, although having been without a club since June, it appears his track record - which includes Manchester United, Olympique Lyonnais and Galatasaray - has not tempted any suitors.
He's been training at Palace's facilities as he looks to retain fitness, with AS Roma understood to be considering the attacker as an experienced option to bolster their attack.
AC Milan have also been named as a potential next destination, although it's essential Zaha picks wisely as he looks to enjoy the Indian summer of his fascinating career.
David Akintola
Perhaps more than any player on this list, Akintola finds himself in a tough spot after being omitted from Hull City's 25-man Premier League squad.
It's a real blow for the 30-year-old, who had been looking forward to finally making his mark in the top flight, only to have been left on the sidelines while new recruits have taken his spot in the team.
The attacker had been rumoured to be destined for a return to the Turkish Super Lig, where he previously represented the likes of Rizespor, Adana Demirspor and Hatayspor, but nothing materialised before the window closed.
He's entering the last year of his contract, but the left-sider is now facing the miserable prospect of a spell of inactivity.