Raphael Onyedika transfer: Key reason Club Brugge turned down Frankfurt’s bid

Eintracht Frankfurt may have seen their opening offer for Raphael Onyedika rejected, but the Bundesliga club remain firmly in the race for the Super Eagles midfielder, Afrik Foot reports.

The German side have been monitoring the Nigerian international for well over a year and recently intensified their interest by submitting a formal proposal to Club Brugge.

However, according to Voetbalfocus, the Belgian champions immediately deemed the offer insufficient and refused to sanction the transfer.

Yet, despite rejecting Frankfurt’s first approach, Club Brugge now find themselves in a much weaker negotiating position than they did only a year ago.

The reason is simple: Raphael Onyedika is entering the final year of his contract and is unwilling to sign a new deal.

Failed contract talks have changed Club Brugge’s position

Belgian outlet Het Nieuwsblad reports that Club Brugge have made several attempts to extend Onyedika’s contract over recent months, but those efforts have been futile.

As a result, the Blauw-Zwart are open to allowing the Nigerian leave this summer rather than risk losing one of their most valuable assets for nothing in 2027.

Onyedika remains one of the most important players in Ivan Leko’s squad and is expected to play another key role in the club’s Champions League campaign this season.

However, every passing month significantly reduces Club Brugge’s bargaining power.

Keeping the midfielder without securing an extension would mean the Super Eagles star can enter into pre-contract talks with other clubs in January with only six months left on his contract.

Club Brugge are demanding at least €10 million for the ex-Midtjylland midfielder, but the current contract situation means they may eventually be forced to soften their stance.

Why Frankfurt could still win the race for Onyedika

Despite failing to qualify for Europe, Frankfurt remain an attractive destination for Onyedika.

The Bundesliga side have built a strong reputation as one of Europe’s best development clubs, helping players such as Omar Marmoush, Randal Kolo Muani and Hugo Ekitike secure major moves.

Afrik Foot previously reported that Onyedika has reached a verbal agreement with Frankfurt over personal terms, with the midfielder believed to be attracted by the prospect of playing in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

While the Belgian champions rejected Frankfurt’s initial proposal, the Bundesliga club know that time may eventually work in their favour.

If Onyedika continues to refuse a contract extension, Club Brugge could ultimately decide that accepting a lower fee now makes more sense than risking losing him on a free transfer next summer.

Could Club Brugge repeat the Wolfsburg mistake?

The current situation stands in stark contrast to last summer. In 2025, Club Brugge rejected an offer worth around €15 million from Wolfsburg for the Nigerian midfielder.

At the time, Onyedika still had multiple years remaining on his contract, and the Belgian giants held all the leverage. Today, the circumstances are very different.

The 25-year-old has just one year left on his deal and remains reluctant to commit his long-term future to the club.

For that reason, many in Belgium believe Club Brugge may eventually have little choice but to reconsider their position if Frankfurt return with an improved proposal.

For now, Brugge have turned down Frankfurt’s bid, but unless the Super Eagles midfielder changes his stance on a new contract, the Belgian champions may soon find themselves forced into a difficult decision regarding one of their most valuable assets.

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In the meantime, the 26-cap Nigerian International is focused on playing his football in Belgium, recently captaining Club Brugge in their pre-season clash against Heerenveen.