Eintracht Frankfurt are on the verge of completing the signing of Nigerian defensive midfielder Raphael Onyedika from Club Brugge. The Bundesliga side have reportedly reached a total agreement with the player over personal terms, leaving only the final transfer fee to be settled between the two clubs before the move can be finalised.
Club Brugge are demanding a €10 million fee for the 23-year-old, whilst Frankfurt are attempting to secure the transfer for approximately €8 million. The Belgian champions had previously valued Onyedika at around €30 million last summer, but his contract situation—entering its final 12 months—has compelled them to drastically lower their expectations.
Fee Negotiations Enter Final Phase
Frankfurt saw their initial two offers rejected by Club Brugge earlier in the transfer window. Their latest proposal, however, is understood to be much closer to meeting the Belgian club’s valuation. The relatively modest gap between the current offer and the asking price indicates that a compromise is achievable in the coming days.
From Club Brugge’s perspective, accepting a fee in the region of €8-10 million would still represent a sound financial outcome. The club invested €9.5 million to sign Onyedika from Danish side FC Midtjylland in 2022, meaning they would recoup the majority of their original expenditure despite the player’s contract running down.
Proven Performer in Belgian Football
Onyedika has established himself as a key component of Club Brugge’s midfield during his two seasons at the Jan Breydel Stadium. The Nigerian featured in 42 matches across all competitions last term, playing a significant role as the club competed domestically and in European competition.
His consistent displays in the Belgian Pro League and the Champions League have marked him out as one of the more reliable defensive midfielders in the division. The potential move to the Bundesliga would represent a significant step up in competition for the former Midtjylland prospect.
The transfer would also carry symbolic weight for Nigerian supporters, connecting Onyedika to the legacy of Jay-Jay Okocha. The celebrated Super Eagles midfielder remains a fan favourite at Frankfurt more than two decades after concluding his four-year spell with the German club.
Part of Broader Squad Overhaul
The pursuit of Onyedika forms part of a comprehensive refresh of Frankfurt’s midfield options. The club has already secured the services of German prospect Noel Aseko from Bayern Munich for a fee of approximately €13 million, announced earlier in the week.
Manager Adi Hütter is evidently targeting young, dynamic players to bolster his engine room. The combination of Aseko’s arrival and the anticipated addition of Onyedika would provide Frankfurt with increased depth and energy in central areas ahead of the new campaign.
Should the remaining financial details be resolved, Onyedika would join an exodus of players leaving the Belgian champions this summer, as Club Brugge balance their books whilst preparing for another season of domestic defence and European competition.