Frankfurt vs Al-Ittihad: Real reason Raphael Onyedika’s Bundesliga move has not been completed

Raphael Onyedika’s days at Belgian champions Club Brugge are numbered as the Super Eagles midfielder looks set to open a new chapter of his career, Afrik-Foot reports.

Eintracht Frankfurt are the leading contenders to sign Onyedika, but Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ittihad are trying to spoil the Bundesliga club’s plans before the summer transfer window closes.

The 25-year-old Nigeria international has made it clear that he wants to leave Belgian champions Club Brugge this summer instead of signing a new contract. His decision has triggered a transfer battle, with Frankfurt pushing hardest to secure his signature while Al-Ittihad have entered the race with a competing offer.

Frankfurt have already made an offer for Onyedika which Club Brugge rejected as it did not meet their expectations. Still, the German club are confident they can get the deal done having reportedly reached a verbal agreement with the player over personal terms. Onyedika also appears keen on the move and has already accepted the sporting project presented to him.

The Bundesliga side see the Nigerian as the ideal player to strengthen their midfield. Onyedika is known for his aggressive ball-winning ability, strong tackling, physical presence and composure in possession. Those qualities have made him arguably the most consistent defensive midfielder in Belgium since joining Club Brugge.

His experience also adds to his value. Since arriving from Danish club FC Midtjylland, Onyedika has helped Club Brugge win major domestic honours while featuring at major tournaments for Nigeria.

However, Frankfurt are not alone in the chase for his signature. Saudi Arabian powerhouse Al-Ittihad have officially entered negotiations with Club Brugge and submitted their own proposal in an attempt to hijack the deal. Backed by enormous financial resources, the Saudi club could easily outbid Frankfurt if the transfer becomes purely about money.

Despite that threat, Frankfurt remain confident because Onyedika reportedly prefers the opportunity to play in a top European league. A move to Germany would allow him to continue competing at the highest level while testing himself in the Bundesliga and European football.

Interest in the midfielder has been building for several transfer windows. Turkish champions Galatasaray renewed enquiries about him earlier this year while Premier League clubs including West Ham United, Everton and Aston Villa have also followed his progress. German giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have previously been linked with keeping tabs on the Nigerian.

Onyedika: Why Frankfurt’s move has been delayed

Although personal terms are no longer considered a major issue, Frankfurt’s move has stalled because of one key obstacle – the transfer fee.

Club Brugge are demanding around €10 million before allowing Onyedika to leave, according to reports in Germany. Frankfurt, however, believe a fee closer to €8 million better reflects the player’s current contract situation. That €2 million difference has become the biggest hurdle in negotiations.

The Belgian champions know they are running out of time to maximise the midfielder’s value. Onyedika is entering the final 12 months of his contract and has refused to sign an extension. If Brugge fail to sell him during this transfer window, they risk losing him for nothing when his contract expires next year.

That situation gives Frankfurt confidence that Club Brugge may eventually lower their asking price rather than allow their valuable asset to leave as a free agent.

Negotiations are therefore focused not only on the basic transfer fee but also on the structure of the deal. Discussions include possible performance-related bonuses, payment schedules and other financial clauses that could help bridge the €2 million gap between both clubs.

Frankfurt also want the deal completed quickly for football reasons. The longer negotiations continue, the less time Onyedika will have to join pre-season preparations, learn the tactical system and build chemistry with his new teammates before the Bundesliga campaign begins.

If Frankfurt can close the €2 million gap, Raphael Onyedika could soon become the latest Super Eagles star to test himself in the Bundesliga.