Onyedika: Club Brugge make surprise call on Nigeria star eyed by Inter, West Ham, Wolfsburg

Club Brugge are working behind the scenes to keep Raphael Onyedika at the club beyond the summer, even as interest in the Nigeria midfielder continues to grow across Europe, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Belgian champions have been holding positive talks over a new deal for captain Hans Vanaken, but reports suggest that keeping Onyedika has become just as important. The club have made a deliberate decision to resist offers and instead try to tie the 24-year-old down to a longer contract.

This is not the first time Brugge have taken such a stance. Over recent transfer windows, they have repeatedly turned away interest, convinced that Onyedika’s importance on the pitch outweighs any immediate financial gain. Despite suggestions earlier this year that a summer exit looked likely, the club have not changed their position.

Onyedika is already under contract until 2027, which gives Brugge strong control over his future. But their latest move shows they are thinking beyond that, hoping to build their midfield around him for years to come.

The challenge, however, is clear. Interest in the Nigerian continues to rise, with clubs from England, Germany, Italy and beyond all monitoring his situation. West Ham United and Aston Villa are among the Premier League sides tracking him, while AC Milan have already made approaches in the past.

In Germany, Wolfsburg and Eintracht Frankfurt remain keen, and there has also been attention from Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. Elsewhere, Paris Saint-Germain, AS Monaco and even Barcelona have been linked.

Club Brugge, though, are not willing to let Onyedika go easily.

Onyedika: A rising midfield force in Belgium and Europe

Since joining Club Brugge in August 2022, Onyedika has developed into one of the most important players in the team. Signed for around €9.5 million, he has grown into a reliable and dominant presence in midfield.

Across more than 170 appearances, he has contributed goals and assists, but his real value lies in his control of games. He protects the defence, breaks up opposition attacks and helps his team move the ball forward with calm, accurate passing.

This season has arguably been his best yet. In the Belgian Pro League, he has been a consistent performer, often setting the tempo in midfield. But it is in Europe where he has truly stood out.

In the UEFA Champions League, Onyedika has delivered big moments against top opposition. He has scored important goals, including one away at Manchester City, and produced a standout display in a heavy win over Monaco. His passing accuracy and tactical discipline have drawn praise, while his ability to step up in key matches has increased his reputation.

He also carried that form onto the international stage, playing a key role for Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations, where his performances helped the team secure a third-place finish.

All of this has pushed his value higher, with Brugge believed to rate him significantly above his original transfer fee. It also explains why so many clubs are now circling.

Still, the summer could bring a major decision for Onyedika. But for Club Brugge, the plan is already in motion to keep their midfield leader, resist the pressure, and build the future around him.