Super Eagles star Raphael Onyedika caught between Aston Villa and Galatasaray plans

Aston Villa have made contact over the availability of Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika as the Premier League side step up their January recruitment drive, Soccernet.ng reports.

This is even as Turkish giants Galatasaray remain keen on a move for the Nigerian international.

Villa are keen to strengthen Unai Emery’s squad as they continue to juggle a sustained league challenge with cup ambitions, and concerns over depth have sharpened in recent weeks. The departure of Donyell Malen to Roma, combined with a knee injury to Boubacar Kamara, has left the Midlands club short in key areas, particularly in midfield.

Against that background, Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri reports that Aston Villa “have enquired” about Onyedika’s situation, though Galatasaray remain in pole position.

Onyedika, who has been with Club Brugge since 2022, has long been viewed as a player ready for a step up. He was part of Nigeria’s squad at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, making three appearances. He scored twice in his first start of the tournament, a 3-1 win over Uganda, and also featured in the semi-final against hosts Morocco and the third-place play-off against Egypt, which Nigeria won on penalties.

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Galatasaray’s Milan obsession leaves Raphael Onyedika waiting

While Aston Villa hover, Galatasaray’s pursuit of Raphael Onyedika has slowed for a different reason.

The Turkish champions are prioritising moves for two high-profile midfielders based in Milan as they look to strengthen for the UEFA Champions League knockout stages.

According to reports, Deputy Chairman Abdullah Kavukcu is in Italy holding face-to-face talks. AC Milan’s Youssouf Fofana tops the wishlist but remains a difficult deal, with Milan demanding €40m and the player seeking an €8m annual salary, well above Galatasaray’s €5m offer. Inter Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu is another target; the 31-year-old has agreed in principle, but Inter are unwilling to sell mid-season and want €30m, far above Galatasaray’s €12–15m bid.

With both negotiations proving complicated, Onyedika has emerged as a strategic alternative. Valued at around €20m, he has reportedly been the subject of talks that have seen Club Brugge’s initial €25m demand reduced to €23m, with a four-year contract plus an option on the table.

A move to Istanbul would allow Onyedika to link up with Victor Osimhen, but for now that Super Eagles reunion remains on hold. And Aston Villa are watching closely, ready to turn interest into something more concrete.