Raphael Onyedika: No More Hiding Place
After his impressive display in the UEFA Champions League, one of which he inspired Club Brugge to beat Serie A giants, Atalanta home and away, Super Eagles defensive midfielder, Raphael Onyedika has seen his profile rise, with several European big wigs now scrambling for his signature. Little wonder his market value rose from €16m to €20m in a matter of days. Though AC Milan is seen as the leading suitor, Paris Saint-Germain, Porto and Bayern Munich are all keeping tabs on the 23-year-old
From an enduring challenging upbringing in Onitsha, where he had to struggle with five other brothers to survive, Raphael Onyedika, who was discovered by FC Ebedei – a Nigerian academy linked with FC Midtjylland become the toast of European giants.
Former Gent Coach, Hein Vanhaezebrouck has tipped Super Eagles midfielder, Raphael Onyedika for a big move in the summer transfer window, after putting himself in the show window following his impressive displays in this season’s UEFA Champions League.
Onyedika was a key member of the Club Brugge side that caused an upset when they beat Europa League winners, Atalanta home and away in the Champions League back in February.
The Nigerian national team member played in 11 Champions League games and notably scored against Premier League champions Manchester City. Club Brugge turned down a bid from Galatasaray last summer, hoping Onyedika’s Champions League performances would increase his value and the plan is paying off as his strong displays have attracted top European clubs.
The FC Ebedei product, who recently changed agents, is aiming for a top transfer this summer, with the original €20 million asking price now looking like just a starting point. Onyedika’s performance in the Champions League was so convincing that Hein Vanhaezebrouck described him as ‘outstanding and great’.
In quotes relayed by Voetbalnieuws, Vanhaezebrouck added: “They won’t be able to keep him after this season. He was very strong, and all of Europe saw that.”
Onyedika is now represented by CAA Stellar, a renowned agency that also manages Premier League stars Omar Marmoush (Man City), Kobbie Mainoo (Man Utd), Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest), and Liam Delap (Ipswich Town).
The Super Eagles star has a contract with Club Brugge until June 30, 2027 and has appeared in 134 games for the Belgian giants, registering 10 goal involvements.
Meanwhile, AC Milan have expressed their interest in signing Onyedika from Club Brugge ahead of the summer after having had a previous bid rejected, a report claims.
According to Africafoot sources, Milan have opened talks with Brugge and Onyedika himself over a move during the summer transfer window, as they look to add a more defensive-minded midfielder to the department.
Milan initially expressed interest in the 23-year-old last summer but they were met with a €24m asking price which they did not pay. Milan Technical director, Geoffrey Moncada “is a big fan of the player”, as per the report.
The Nigeria international has a contract until 2027 with the Belgian side, and the Rossoneri submitted an initial offer of €18m. A source within CAA Stellar, the player’s agency, confirmed that has come back in.
“He (Onyedika) is high on AC Milan’s shortlist, and they have expressed their interest in both the player and his team,” the source said.
“They initially offered €18m, which will likely be rejected, as Club Bruges value him much more than that. Raphael is interested in the transfer, but it will depend on the clubs’ ability to reach an agreement.”
However, it seems as though there will be strong competition to land the player. Africafoot report that Paris Saint-Germain, Porto and Bayern Munich are all keeping tabs on the 23-year-old, who was sent off at San Siro in the Champions League meeting with Milan this season.
The Rossoneri were linked with the then-Midtjylland star in the 2022 summer window, before Brugge won the race by meeting their asking price. Interestingly, Onyedika’s market value has soared to €20m amid interest from European giants.
Onyedika has seen his market value jump to €20m in Transfermarkt’s first update of 2025, up from €16m in their previous 2024 assessment, following a stellar season with Belgian champions Club Brugge.
The 23-year-old midfielder’s consistent displays have drawn the attention of Europe’s elite clubs, with Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester City reportedly among those closely monitoring his progress.
Onyedika’s commanding presence in midfield has been a key factor in Club Brugge’s remarkable 20-game unbeaten run this season. He has tallied two goals and two assists in 45 appearances across all competitions. His standout showing against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League — including scoring the opening goal at the Etihad Stadium, has only strengthened his reputation.
Manchester City are said to be especially keen on signing the Super Eagles player as a potential backup for Rodri, who has faced injury issues this season.
Club Brugge, who had previously set a €20m asking price for Onyedika, are expected to raise their demands to reflect his new valuation and increasing interest. Former Genk and Gent coach Hein Vanhaezebrouck has expressed doubts over the club’s ability to retain him beyond the summer.
“He’s outstanding and great. They won’t be able to keep him after this season. He has seen all of Europe,” Vanhaezebrouck told Voetbal Nieuws following Onyedika’s dominant performance in a 1-0 victory over Genk.
Onyedika’s journey to European stardom began in Onitsha, Nigeria, where he endured a challenging upbringing. “I have five brothers. At times, it was a struggle to survive,” he told Belgian outlet Het Laatste Nieuws. Discovered by FC Ebedei — a Nigerian academy linked with FC Midtjylland — he moved to Denmark before eventually signing with Club Brugge over AC Milan.
With more than two years left on his current deal, the midfield dynamo is now seen as one of the hottest prospects in European football, and a major summer transfer could be on the cards.
