The Super Eagles star is ready to make the step up to one of Europe's biggest leagues but that transfer may have to wait for a few months
Club Brugge have rejected a late approach from Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg for Nigeria midfielder Raphael Onyedika, Soccernet.ng reports.
The former Belgian Pro League champions have chosen instead to postpone any decision on Onyedika's future until the summer transfer window.
Club Brugge turned down what was described as a final offer worth close to €20m (approx N33 billion), including bonuses, made by Wolfsburg. It is a figure that would have represented Wolfsburg’s most serious attempt yet to prise the midfielder away before the close of the window.
According to Sacha Tavolieri, internal discussions were held on Sunday, after which all parties agreed that the best course of action was for Onyedika to remain in Bruges for the rest of the season. Talks over a possible transfer are now expected to resume at the end of the campaign.
For Wolfsburg, the rejection brings an end to their pursuit for now. For Club Brugge, it ensures continuity in midfield at a decisive stage of the season, with domestic and European commitments still in play.
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Onyedika's Super Eagles form at AFCON fuels interest
The decision will come as a disappointment to Onyedika, who has seen his stock rise sharply following an impressive Africa Cup of Nations campaign with Nigeria earlier this year.
The 24-year-old scored twice in the Super Eagles’ 3-1 group-stage win over Uganda and was a commanding presence in midfield during the knockout matches against Morocco and Egypt. He has three goals in 23 matches for the three-time African champions.
That form has not gone unnoticed. Alongside Wolfsburg’s late move, clubs such as Aston Villa, Galatasaray and Eintracht Frankfurt have all been linked with the former FC Midtjylland player, while Frankfurt had explored a deal as far back as last summer.
Club Brugge’s stance is shaped not only by sporting considerations but also by long-term planning. Under the terms of Onyedika’s 2022 move from Midtjylland, the Danish club are entitled to 20% of any profit above €9.5m, a clause that makes timing and valuation critical.
Since arriving in Belgium, Onyedika has become a central figure at the club, making 168 appearances across all competitions, scoring eight goals and providing five assists. Comfortable as both a defensive and central midfielder, he is valued at around €20m by Transfermarkt, the highest of his career.
Club Brugge, though, are content to hold firm for now. Onyedika is expected to continue anchoring their midfield until the end of the season, with the likelihood that a carefully structured summer move will eventually follow.
