Aston Villa, West Ham on alert as Nigeria’s Onyedika makes Club Brugge decision

Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika appears increasingly likely to leave Club Brugge this summer after deciding against signing a new contract with the Belgian champions, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 25-year-old still has two years remaining on his current deal, which runs until June 2027, but talks over an extension have stalled in recent months, according to Voetbal24.

Club Brugge had hoped to secure the Super Eagles midfielder on improved long-term terms following another impressive campaign in Belgium, yet the player has made it clear that he wants a new challenge elsewhere in Europe.

Onyedika wanted by Premier League clubs

That decision has immediately strengthened the hopes of several clubs monitoring his situation, especially in the Premier League. Aston Villa and West Ham United are both understood to be tracking developments closely as they prepare for the summer transfer window.

Everton have also been linked with the Nigerian international, although Villa and West Ham currently appear better positioned financially to complete a deal.

Onyedika has grown into one of the most important players in the Brugge midfield since joining from Danish side FC Midtjylland in 2022. His aggressive pressing, ball-winning ability and composure in possession have made him a key figure in both domestic competition and European matches.

The Nigerian also enhanced his reputation during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where he delivered several commanding displays in midfield for the Super Eagles. Those performances further convinced many observers that he is ready to move to one of Europe’s top-five leagues.

Club Brugge had previously resisted attempts to sign him. German side VfL Wolfsburg reportedly failed with a €20m bid during the winter transfer window, while Turkish champions Galatasaray have maintained a long-standing interest in the midfielder.

The Belgian club initially valued Onyedika between €25m and €40m when interest in him intensified earlier in the season. However, with the player unwilling to renew his contract, reports in Belgium now suggest Brugge may accept offers closer to €20m in order to avoid losing bargaining power in future windows.

The situation has become one of financial realism for Club Brugge. Keeping Onyedika against his wishes could risk lowering his market value over time, especially if he enters the final stages of his contract without an extension agreement.

The Belgian side have already started preparing for life after the Nigerian. Midfield options such as Hugo Vetlesen, Ludovit Reis and Aleksandar Stankovic are viewed internally as players capable of taking on bigger responsibilities if Onyedika departs.

Despite the transfer speculation, Onyedika remains involved in Club Brugge’s title push. The midfielder has recently been recovering from physical problems but is expected to return before the decisive end of the Belgian Pro League season.

League leaders Brugge hold a one-point advantage over Union SG ahead of their all-important top-of-the-table clash on Sunday. A victory will leave Onyedika and teammates one more win away from claiming the league title they last lifted in 2024.

Onyedika has won the Belgian Pro League and Belgian Cup during his four-year stay at Club Brugge.