Footy-Africa can exclusively report that Nigerian midfielder Raphael Onyedika is now close to leaving Club Brugge this summer, with Eintracht Frankfurt emerging as favourite to sign him.
The 25-year-old has one year remaining on his current contract and has attracted interest from several clubs, including Eintracht Frankfurt, Wolfsburg, Galatasaray, and Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad.
Footy-Africa understands from a source closed to the situation in Belgium that Club Brugge made multiple attempts to extend Onyedika’s contract, but the midfielder turned down every proposal.
The Nigeria international is eager to take on a new challenge after a successful spell in Belgium, having made the decision to seek a move well before the current transfer window opened, Footy-Africa understands.
Onyedika was also open to leaving last summer, but Club Brugge’s €25 million valuation proved to be a major stumbling block. As a result, he opted to remain with the Belgian champions for another season.
With the 2026/27 campaign approaching, speculation over his future has intensified. Eintracht Frankfurt are now pushing strongly to complete a deal, while Club Brugge are increasingly open to a sale rather than risk losing one of their key assets on a free transfer next summer.
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Negotiations between the two clubs are ongoing, and there is optimism that an agreement can be reached. Should talks collapse, Onyedika would be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club in January before leaving as a free agent at the end of the season.
Meanwhile, Al Ittihad have emerged as the latest club to join the race, adding another twist to the transfer saga. The Saudi side are believed to be prepared to meet Club Brugge’s valuation, while the Belgian club are reportedly willing to wait in the hope that further interest could trigger a bidding war and increase the transfer fee for one of their most valuable players.
Reports from Germany also suggest that Onyedika has already agreed personal terms with Eintracht Frankfurt. However, the Bundesliga club have yet to reach an agreement with Club Brugge, leaving the deal delicately poised, particularly following Al Ittihad’s late interest.
Turkish champions Galatasaray were also monitoring the midfielder earlier in the transfer window, but they are now unlikely to pursue a move after securing Mario Lemina on a new contract.
Onyedika has already resumed pre-season training with Club Brugge, although a decision regarding his future is expected in the coming days.
