Al-Ittihad face setback in pursuit of Nigeria midfielder Raphael Onyedika after bid rejected

Al-Ittihad’s hopes of signing Nigeria international Raphael Onyedika from Club Brugge this summer have been dealt a blow after the Belgian side judged their offer to be insufficient.

The Saudi Pro League club are looking to strengthen in defensive midfield and had opened talks with Club Brugge over the 25-year-old, who has emerged as a key target in the current transfer window.

Reports in Europe had indicated that Al-Ittihad were in competition with Eintracht Frankfurt for the signature of Onyedika, who has impressed in Belgium since joining Club Brugge in 2022.

However, Belgian outlet Nieuwsblad has reported that the proposal submitted by Al-Ittihad did not meet Club Brugge’s valuation and failed to convince the board to sell.

Club Brugge’s price tag

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has previously stated that Club Brugge are seeking a fee of €10m to agree to Onyedika’s departure, with the player’s contract due to expire at the end of next season.

With only one year remaining on his deal, the Belgian club are open to a sale this summer but are understood to be holding firm on their asking price.

Al-Ittihad will therefore need to improve their financial offer if they are to move ahead of Eintracht Frankfurt and other admirers in the race to sign the midfielder.

The Jeddah side are actively searching for a new holding midfielder following the departure of Brazilian Fabinho, whose contract expired at the end of last season.

Versatile Nigeria international

Onyedika operates primarily as a defensive midfielder but is also comfortable playing as a deeper-lying central midfielder and at centre-back, adding to his appeal for clubs seeking tactical flexibility.

Since his arrival at Club Brugge in 2022, he has become a regular presence in the Nigeria national team set-up. Over that period he has won 26 caps, scoring three goals and providing one assist.

His consistent performances in Belgium and on the international stage have enhanced his reputation and helped draw interest from clubs in different leagues.

Al-Ittihad’s wider midfield search

Onyedika is one of several names linked with Al-Ittihad as they attempt to rebuild their midfield options ahead of the new season.

The club have been associated with a number of defensive midfield targets, including Morocco international Sofyan Amrabat, currently with Fenerbahce, and Egypt midfielder Marwan Attia of Al Ahly.

For now, though, Al-Ittihad’s pursuit of Onyedika hinges on whether they are willing to return with an improved bid that matches Club Brugge’s €10m demand before the player enters the final year of his contract.