Super Eagles midfielder, Raphael Onyedika, has become one of the most sought-after players in Europe, with several elite clubs keen on securing his services.
According to The Telegraph, the 23-year-old Nigerian has caught the attention of top clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Porto, and AC Milan, following his impressive performances in midfield.
Onyedika has been a key figure in Club Brugge’s outstanding form, contributing significantly to their 20-game unbeaten streak.
His performances have not gone unnoticed, making him a top priority for major European clubs.
“City have been looking at defensive midfielders following Rodri’s long-term injury and now they face Onyedika, 23, who has excelled in that position and has heavyweights from the biggest leagues chasing his signature. Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Porto and AC Milan have made enquiries,” The Telegraph reported ahead of Brugge’s Champions League clash against Manchester City.
“Paris St-Germain have also been watching Onyedika as they consider bolstering the midfield who overran City last week at the Parc des Princes. Onyedika’s stats are comparable to those of PSG’s João Neves, who was highlighted by Uefa’s technical report for his performance in the 4-2 win.
“Neves has averaged 10.9 kilometres per match in the Champions League this season, while Onyedika has clocked 10.5km. Onyedika’s passing accuracy has been 90.34 per cent throughout the competition.”
Aston Villa had previously explored the possibility of signing Onyedika, but now, bigger clubs have intensified their interest in securing his signature.
Despite the growing demand, Club Brugge remains determined to retain their midfield star, especially during the January transfer window, according to Belgian sources.
Onyedika’s journey to becoming a coveted talent in European football began in Onitsha, where he and his family faced significant hardships.
“I have five brothers. At times, it was a struggle to survive,” he told Belgian publication Het Laatste Nieuws.
He was discovered by the Nigerian club Ebedei’s academy, which had ties to Danish side Midtjylland, providing him with a gateway to European football.
“I played with the youth for one year, then I got a contract and joined the A team. Then I was loaned to Fredericia in the Danish second division,” he recalled.
“I did learn what it was like to play men’s football there. I became tougher. It was tough. But you have to look at the bigger picture. It pushed me to a higher level. I returned to Midtjylland a year later and suddenly played European football. That was my dream as a little boy.”
Italian powerhouse AC Milan once monitored his progress, but Onyedika opted to join Brugge to further develop his career.
With Transfermarkt valuing him at €16 million and more than two years left on his contract, Club Brugge will not let go of their prized asset easily.
However, as interest from European giants intensifies, Onyedika’s value and reputation are set to rise even further.
