Raphael Onyedika: Real reason Al-Ittihad pulled out of race for Frankfurt target

Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ittihad have cooled their pursuit of Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika, leaving Eintracht Frankfurt in a stronger position to land the Club Brugge star this summer, Afrik Foot reports.

The Nigerian international had emerged as one of several midfield options for the Jeddah-based club as they searched for a replacement for Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, whose contract expired at the end of last season.

However, despite making initial enquiries, Al-Ittihad ultimately failed to convince Club Brugge with their proposal and have since shifted their attention elsewhere.

Club Brugge were never convinced

Reports from Belgium and the Middle East indicate that Club Brugge were unimpressed by the financial package presented by Al-Ittihad.

The Belgian champions value Onyedika at around €10 million, a figure they believe reflects both his importance to the squad and his performances over the last three seasons.

Although Al-Ittihad possess the financial muscle to pay that fee, their opening approach fell below Brugge’s expectations, making negotiations difficult from the outset.

Unlike Frankfurt, who have spent months building their pursuit of the Nigerian midfielder, the Saudi club’s interest never progressed beyond the exploratory stage.

Frankfurt’s long-term approach made the difference

Eintracht Frankfurt’s pursuit of Onyedika has been driven by planning rather than opportunity.

The Bundesliga club have tracked the 25-year-old for more than a year and recently stepped up negotiations after identifying him as one of their priority midfield targets.

Afrik Foot previously reported that Frankfurt have already reached a verbal agreement on personal terms with the Super Eagles midfielder.

Although Club Brugge rejected Frankfurt’s first bid, discussions between both clubs remain active, with the Germans expected to return with an improved offer.

Onyedika’s European ambition influenced the race

Another important factor behind Al-Ittihad’s withdrawal is believed to be the player’s own sporting priorities.

Having established himself as one of the Belgian Pro League’s most consistent midfielders and a regular for Nigeria, Onyedika is understood to prefer testing himself in one of Europe’s top five leagues before considering a move outside the continent.

A switch to Frankfurt would offer exactly that opportunity. The Bundesliga side have developed a reputation for helping players elevate their careers, with stars such as Omar Marmoush, Hugo Ekitike and Randal Kolo Muani all earning major transfers after impressing in Frankfurt.

For a player approaching the prime years of his career and hoping to remain central to Nigeria’s plans under Eric Chelle ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, regular football at a high European level remains an attractive proposition.

Club Brugge’s contract dilemma remains the decisive factor

While Al-Ittihad’s interest appears to have faded, Club Brugge still face an uncomfortable reality.

The Nigerian midfielder has entered the final year of his contract and has repeatedly rejected offers to extend his stay in Belgium, which significantly weakens the club’s negotiating position.

If no agreement is reached before January, Onyedika would be free to negotiate a pre-contract with overseas clubs before leaving for nothing next summer.

For that reason, Brugge are expected to cash in now rather than risk losing one of their most valuable assets without receiving a transfer fee.

Frankfurt now lead the race

With Al-Ittihad stepping back and Galatasaray no longer actively pursuing the midfielder after resolving their own midfield situation, Frankfurt now appear to be the clear favourites.

The Bundesliga side still need to agree a transfer fee with Club Brugge, but they remain in regular contact with the Belgian club and are expected to continue negotiations in the coming days.

Unless another club enters the race with a significantly improved proposal, the path now looks considerably clearer for Frankfurt to secure the signature of one of Nigeria’s most reliable midfielders.

For Onyedika, the coming weeks could finally deliver the move to a top-five European league that he has been targeting for more than a year.