Raphael Onyedika: Al-Ittihad table bid as Club Brugge midfielder attracts Saudi and Bundesliga interest

Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad have submitted an official offer for Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika, escalating a transfer battle with Eintracht Frankfurt for the Nigeria international.

The Jeddah club have lodged a new bid with the Belgian champions as they move to secure the highly rated defensive midfielder, according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano.

Frankfurt, from Germany’s Bundesliga, have already reached agreement on personal terms with Onyedika but saw their initial proposal rejected by Club Brugge, who are holding out for a higher fee.

Club Brugge stand firm on €10m valuation

Club Brugge, reigning champions of the Belgian Pro League, are understood to value Onyedika at around €10m.

The 25-year-old has only one year left on his current contract, a situation which would normally put pressure on a selling club to compromise on price. However, Brugge are prepared to resist offers below their asking figure as interest in the midfielder grows.

The club’s stance has already led to Frankfurt’s first bid being turned down, leaving both the German side and Al-Ittihad needing to improve their proposals if they are to secure a deal.

Onyedika has rejected attempts by Brugge to extend his contract, a clear indication that both player and club are now planning for a separation this summer.

Al-Ittihad step up Saudi Pro League push

Al-Ittihad’s move is the latest sign of Saudi Pro League clubs continuing to target established European-based players in their prime.

By submitting a fresh formal bid, the former Asian champions have signalled that Onyedika is a priority target as they look to reinforce their midfield with a ball-winning, defensively disciplined presence.

Any successful deal would see Onyedika join a growing number of Africa internationals who have made high-profile moves to Saudi Arabia in recent seasons, drawn by significant financial packages and the league’s increasing global visibility.

Frankfurt remain in the frame

Despite Al-Ittihad’s intervention, Eintracht Frankfurt are still firmly in contention.

The Bundesliga club have already agreed personal terms with Onyedika, which means any breakthrough in negotiations with Club Brugge over the fee could rapidly move the transfer forward.

Frankfurt, who have a record of developing and showcasing talent in European competitions, can offer the Nigerian continued exposure in one of Europe’s top five leagues and the chance to feature regularly in continental tournaments.

The next phase of talks is expected to centre on whether the Germans are willing, or able, to match Brugge’s €10m valuation – or whether Al-Ittihad are prepared to outbid their European rivals.

Key figure for Brugge and Super Eagles

Onyedika joined Club Brugge from Danish side FC Midtjylland in 2022 and has since become a central figure for the Belgian champions.

Operating primarily as a defensive midfielder, he has been instrumental in shielding the back line and dictating play from deep, helping Brugge secure multiple domestic honours during his time at the club.

His performances in Belgium have also earned him regular call-ups to Nigeria’s national team, the Super Eagles, where he is viewed as part of a new generation of midfield options.

With one year left on his contract, a firm price tag and rival bids emerging from Europe and the Middle East, the coming weeks are likely to determine whether Onyedika’s next step is in the Bundesliga or the Saudi Pro League – or whether Brugge can yet engineer a late twist in the saga.