Al Ittihad face setback in pursuit of Nigeria midfielder Raphael Onyedika after bid rejected

Al Ittihad’s hopes of signing Nigeria international Raphael Onyedika this summer have diminished after their opening offer failed to convince Club Brugge.

The Saudi Pro League side are competing with Eintracht Frankfurt for the midfielder’s signature in the current transfer window, but Belgian newspaper nieuwsblad reports that the proposal submitted by Al Ittihad did not meet Club Brugge’s expectations.

Earlier this summer, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Club Brugge are seeking a fee of €10m to agree to Onyedika’s departure, with the 23-year-old’s contract due to expire at the end of next season. According to the latest Belgian reports, Al Ittihad’s initial bid fell short of that valuation.

Ittihad under pressure to improve offer

Al Ittihad will need to significantly improve their financial package if they are to persuade Club Brugge to sell, particularly as they search for a direct replacement for Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, whose contract ended at the close of last season.

The Jeddah club have made strengthening the defensive midfield role a priority this summer and see Onyedika as a leading option in that position. However, the firm stance from Club Brugge over their asking price has complicated negotiations and reduced the likelihood of a quick agreement.

Eintracht Frankfurt remain in the frame, adding further competitive tension to any talks, although no deal has yet been agreed with any club.

Versatile midfielder established with Nigeria

Onyedika, who joined Club Brugge in 2022, is primarily deployed as a defensive midfielder but is also comfortable operating as a holding midfielder and at centre-back. Since moving to Belgium, he has become a key figure for his club and has forced his way into regular contention for the Nigeria national team.

The midfielder has been a consistent presence in Nigeria squads since his arrival at Club Brugge, winning 26 caps and scoring three goals, while providing one assist for the Super Eagles in that period.

His development at club level in Belgium and growing international experience have made him an attractive option for clubs seeking a mobile, defensively strong midfielder capable of covering multiple positions.

Ittihad weighing other midfield options

Onyedika is not the only defensive midfielder on Al Ittihad’s radar. The club have also been strongly linked with Morocco international Sofyan Amrabat, currently with Fenerbahce, and Egypt midfielder Marwan Attia of Al Ahly, as they assess alternatives in case a deal for the Nigeria international proves too difficult to complete.

Al Ittihad’s interest in several players for the same role underlines the urgency of replacing Fabinho ahead of the new season, but their failure to meet Club Brugge’s valuation at the first attempt has, for now, pushed them further away from securing Onyedika’s signature.