Al-Ittihad's search for a midfield replacement has hit a significant obstacle, with Eintracht Frankfurt entering the race to sign Raphael Onyedika from Club Brugge this summer. The Saudi Arabian club tabled an official offer for the Nigerian midfielder after losing Fabinho, whose contract expired at the end of last season following three years in the Middle East.
According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Frankfurt are pushing aggressively to secure Onyedika, heightening competition for the 25-year-old's signature. Club Brugge have valued their midfield anchor at approximately €10 million, a modest fee that has attracted multiple suitors during the current transfer window. Onyedika's contract situation adds intrigue to the deal—he enters the final year of his agreement at the Belgian club, meaning he could leave on a free transfer next January if a permanent move doesn't materialise this summer.
Impressive Track Record in Belgian League
Onyedika demonstrated his quality across a packed 2024-25 campaign, appearing in 42 matches for Club Brugge across all competitions. The midfielder contributed three goals and two assists, establishing himself as a consistent performer in the Belgian Pro A. His physical presence, distribution range, and ball-winning abilities have made him an attractive prospect for European clubs seeking midfield reinforcement.
Al-Ittihad's interest reflects their ambitions to strengthen their squad in a competitive league, particularly after Fabinho's departure left a void in their engine room. Frankfurt's involvement, however, signals that European clubs are also recognising Onyedika's potential and value. The competition between the Bundesliga side and the Saudi outfit will likely intensify as the transfer window progresses, with Club Brugge potentially fielding offers from both camps in the coming weeks.
The outcome of this transfer race will shape both clubs' midfield dynamics heading into the 2024-25 season, with Frankfurt looking to bolster their European credentials while Al-Ittihad continues building a squad capable of competing at the highest level in Saudi Arabia.
