Raphael Onyedika: Real Betis face major hurdle in pursuit of Nigeria and Club Brugge star

Real Betis’ hopes of securing Raphael Onyedika have hit a stumbling block, with Club Brugge unwilling to part with the Nigerian international unless their valuation is met, Soccernet.ng reports.

Onyedika, 24, has been a central figure for Brugge since arriving from FC Midtjylland in 2022 for just under €10 million.

After three seasons, he has racked up 148 appearances, scored six goals, and played a decisive role in back-to-back silverware triumphs — lifting the Belgian Pro League in 2024 and the Belgian Cup in 2025.

The midfielder’s blend of defensive steel and composure in possession has seen his value surge to a career-high €20m, according to Transfermarkt. That price tag has effectively shut the door on several interested clubs.

José Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe, Premier League sides West Ham, Leeds United, and Tottenham Hotspur have all explored the possibility of signing him, but Brugge’s stance has proved immovable.

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Raphael Onyedika: Real Betis’ midfield dilemma

For Betis, the timing could not be more critical.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side lost Johnny Cardoso to Atlético Madrid earlier this summer, leaving a glaring hole in the defensive midfield position. Their pre-season struggles, capped by defeats to Como and Málaga, highlighted the lack of balance in midfield, with youngsters forced to fill in.

While the club debates whether to invest heavily in a rising star like Onyedika or pursue a cheaper, more experienced alternative, Brugge’s asking price remains the major roadblock.

Reports in Spain suggest that Betis are reluctant to meet the Belgian side’s demand, instead weighing other options such as Guido Rodríguez or Fluminense’s promising 22-year-old Facundo Bernal.

For now, Onyedika appears destined to remain in Belgium, where he continues to be a cornerstone of Brugge’s ambitions.

The Super Eagles midfielder featured for the last 25 minutes as Club Brugge defeated Zulte Waregem 1-0 in a league clash earlier today.