The reigning champions of Belgian First Division A have beaten other suitors, including Italy’s AC Milan, to the signing of one of Nigeria’s rising talent
It is still awaiting an official announcement, but Belgian top division side Club Brugge have signed young Nigerian midfielder Raphael Onyedika from Danish club FC Midtjylland.
Soccernet.ng had earlier reported that Club Brugge and Italian Serie A giants AC Milan were the frontrunners for the signature of Onyedika.
While the 21-year-old favoured joining one of Italy’s most successful clubs, the Milanese could not match Midtjylland’s financial demands for the youngster. FCB have now won the race for Onyedika’s signature.
In serious need of a defensive midfielder, Club Brugge have agreed to part with a reported nine million euros to sign Onyedika. That transfer fee would make the Super Eagles hopeful the Belgian side’s joint-most expensive purchase in history.
Confirming the deal after guiding Club Brugge to a 3-1 win at Sporting Charleroi on Friday, club manager Carl Hoefkens reveals he can not wait to welcome Onyedika to the Jan Breydel Stadium.
Against Charleroi, Hoefkens deployed Ghanaian full-back Denis Odoi as a makeshift defensive midfielder. And the 43-year-old could not hide his pleasure at the prospect of getting quality reinforcement.
“I hope to see him (Onyedika) very soon with us,” Hoefkens said, as per Walfoot.
“I just want to work with the best players possible. I know he’s quality, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Onyedika has shown his quality over the last couple of years featuring for FC Midtjylland in the UEFA Champions League, the Europa League, and the Danish top flight.
