English Premier League club West Ham are interested in signing Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika from Club Brugge this summer, Soccernet.ng reports.
Onyedika has enjoyed a steady rise since joining Club Brugge from Danish club FC Midtjylland three years ago. The 24-year-old midfielder’s mix of strength, technicality, and doggedness has ensured that he has become a critical member of the team at Brugge.
Although he does not score a lot of goals, his work on and off the ball covers for that.
Onyedika has made 141 appearances for Genk in his three years at the club, with six goals and four assists to his name.
His performances have attracted some big clubs in Europe, with Galatasaray and Liverpool previously linked to him. Now, according to Africa Foot, West Ham are seriously interested in signing the Super Eagles star.
The Hammers endured a tough campaign last season, as they finished 14th in the Premier League. West Ham lacked proper cover in defensive midfield and in defence, as they were the sixth-worst defence in the Premier League.
They believe that Onyedika will five them some solidity in midfield. Hence their decision to move for him.
How much will Raphael Onyedika cost West Ham?
According to Transfermarkt, Onyedika is valued at €20million. But Africa Foot reports that Ckub Bruges will demand €24 million (₦43.2 million) before they let their Nigerian star leave.
This is a good fee for a Premier League club like West Ham, especially as they will make some sales this summer.
Onyedika still has two years left on his contract at Club Brugge, but this might be the time to start looking at moving on. Moreover, he has already won the Belgian Jupiler Pro League and the Belgian Cup.
Club Brugge are a selling club. If West Ham meet their valuation of Onyedika, they will surely sell.