Eintracht Frankfurt move to hijack Al Ittihad bid for Raphael Onyedika

German side Eintracht Frankfurt have intensified efforts to sign Nigerian midfielder Raphael Onyedika, putting Saudi club Al Ittihad’s plans for a replacement for Fabinho at serious risk.

Frankfurt step up pursuit

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Eintracht Frankfurt are “pushing hard” to secure the Club Brugge midfielder in the current summer transfer window.

Romano, posting on his personal account on X, said the Bundesliga club have moved strongly in recent days as they look to reinforce their midfield options ahead of the new season.

The 25-year-old Nigerian has emerged as a key target after an impressive campaign in Belgium, and Frankfurt are now considered serious contenders for his signature.

Al Ittihad enter transfer race

Al Ittihad, one of Saudi Arabia’s leading clubs, have also entered the race to sign Onyedika, Romano added.

According to his report, the Jeddah side have submitted an official offer to Club Brugge during the ongoing transfer window, seeking to bring the player in as part of a reshaping of their midfield.

The move comes as Al Ittihad prepare for life without Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, whose contract expired at the end of last season and who has been released by the club.

The Saudi Pro League team have been scouring the market for a new central midfielder capable of anchoring their midfield and contributing both defensively and in build-up play.

Club Brugge valuation and contract situation

Club Brugge value Onyedika at around €10m (£8.4m), according to the same report.

The Belgian club are under pressure to make a decision this summer, with the Nigerian entering the final year of his contract. His current deal is due to expire at the end of next season.

From January, Onyedika would be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with another club, potentially leaving Brugge without a transfer fee if they fail to sell him in the current window.

That situation has encouraged interested clubs to move quickly, with both Frankfurt and Al Ittihad aware that decisive negotiations over the coming weeks could prove crucial.

Onyedika’s form for Club Brugge

Onyedika enjoyed a notable 2023-24 season with Club Brugge, reinforcing his reputation as a dynamic central midfielder.

He made 42 appearances in all competitions for the Belgian side, scoring three goals and providing two assists.

Beyond the statistics, his performances were marked by strong physical presence, work rate and versatility in the centre of the pitch, attributes that have drawn attention from scouts across Europe and the Middle East.

Strategic signing for both clubs

For Eintracht Frankfurt, the Nigeria international is seen as a player who could strengthen their core as they seek to compete domestically and in European competition.

For Al Ittihad, who have invested heavily in recent seasons to build a star-studded squad, securing Onyedika would be an important step in rebuilding their midfield after Fabinho’s departure.

With at least two clubs actively pursuing him and Club Brugge ready to listen to offers, Onyedika’s future is likely to be one of the more closely watched transfer stories involving an African midfielder this summer.