Raphael Onyedika: Al Ittihad step up bid as Frankfurt and Galatasaray join transfer tussle

Al Ittihad have submitted an official offer for Club Bruges midfielder Raphael Onyedika, intensifying a three-way battle with Eintracht Frankfurt and Galatasaray for the Nigeria international.

The Saudi Pro League side have formally approached the Belgian club for the 25-year-old and are pushing to bolster their midfield before the new season, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The move threatens to derail Frankfurt’s recent efforts to close a deal for Onyedika, while Turkish champions Galatasaray are also closely monitoring the situation and are ready to act to avoid being left behind.

Saudi offer shakes up transfer race

Al Ittihad’s proposal marks a significant escalation in the race for Onyedika, who has emerged as one of the most sought-after midfielders in this transfer window.

The Jeddah-based club, already home to several high-profile names, are understood to be determined to add the Nigerian to their squad and have now tested Club Bruges’ resolve with a concrete bid.

Their intervention comes just as Eintracht Frankfurt had moved to the front of the queue, having recently tabled an offer of their own to the Belgian side and stepped up negotiations in recent days.

The entrance of a wealthy Saudi club into the bidding is expected to complicate talks and potentially drive up the overall cost of any deal.

Galatasaray keep pressure on rivals

The contest for Onyedika’s signature is not limited to Germany and Saudi Arabia.

According to information reported by Africafoot, Galatasaray have identified the midfielder as one of their priority targets for this summer window.

The Istanbul club, reigning champions of Turkey, are said to be following the evolution of the case very closely and could move quickly if they sense the opportunity to steal a march on their European and Saudi rivals.

With three clubs of significant stature and ambition in the frame, Onyedika’s future has become one of the more intriguing transfer stories involving African players this summer.

Club Bruges eye sale to avoid future free transfer

Onyedika is under contract with Club Bruges until June 2027, but his situation has created some urgency on the Belgian side.

In one part of the reporting, club decision-makers are described as valuing the player at around €10m and being inclined to consider a sale this summer in order to avoid the risk of losing him for free further down the line.

Elsewhere, market platform Transfermarkt currently estimates his value at €23m, underlining how highly he is regarded in wider European circles.

The midfielder, who earns an annual salary of €677,851 (440,603,150 FCFA), has seen his stock rise steadily, and the coming days are expected to be decisive in determining his next destination.

One of the window’s most in-demand midfielders

Onyedika’s growing reputation and international profile with Nigeria have turned him into a key target for clubs across different leagues and continents.

With Eintracht Frankfurt showing sustained determination, Al Ittihad launching a formal offensive and Galatasaray remaining on high alert, Club Bruges now find themselves in a strong bargaining position, able to weigh sporting and financial proposals from several sides.

How quickly one of the bidders is prepared to meet Bruges’ demands – and how strongly Onyedika feels about each potential project – will likely decide where one of this summer’s most coveted midfielders lines up next season.