Raphael Onyedika Tipped for Big Summer Transfer After Champions League Breakthrough
Nigerian midfielder Raphael Onyedika is being strongly tipped for a big move in the upcoming summer transfer window, thanks to his standout performances in this season’s UEFA Champions League.
Former KAA Gent coach Hein Vanhaezebrouck believes Onyedika has done enough to earn a transfer to one of Europe’s top clubs, describing the 22-year-old as “outstanding and great” during Club Brugge’s Champions League run.
“They won’t be able to keep him after this season. He was very strong, and all of Europe saw that,” Vanhaezebrouck said, as quoted by Voetbalnieuws.
Onyedika played a key role in Club Brugge’s surprise victories over Europa League winners Atalanta, beating them both home and away in February. He featured in eleven Champions League matches and even scored against Premier League champions Manchester City, proving he can perform at the highest level.
Last summer, Turkish giants Galatasaray made a move for the Nigerian star, but Club Brugge rejected the bid, hoping his Champions League form would boost his market value. That gamble seems to have paid off, as Onyedika is now attracting interest from some of Europe’s top clubs.
A product of FC Ebedei, Onyedika recently changed agents and is now represented by CAA Stellar, one of the most powerful agencies in world football. The agency also represents big names like Kobbie Mainoo (Man United), Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest), and Liam Delap (Ipswich Town).
With a contract running until June 2027, Club Brugge originally valued Onyedika at €20 million, but that fee may now be seen as only a starting point.
The Super Eagles midfielder has made 134 appearances for the Belgian side, contributing to ten goals in total. But after making his mark on the European stage, many believe this summer is the perfect time for Onyedika to take the next step in his career.
