Raphael Onyedika is heading to the Bundesliga. Eintracht Frankfurt has reached a full agreement to sign the Nigerian midfielder from Club Brugge for a fee of €10 million, ending weeks of speculation over his next destination.
What makes this move particularly interesting is that Onyedika had options. Saudi Arabian clubs had reportedly tabled bids for the midfielder, offering the kind of money that has tempted several European-based players in recent years. He said no. Frankfurt was his choice, and that tells you something about where his head is at — a player still hungry to prove himself at the highest level of European football rather than chase a payday.
Club Brugge, who have built a solid reputation for developing and selling top midfield talent, will pocket €10 million from the deal. For a player who has grown considerably since arriving in Belgium, that fee looks like reasonable business for both parties.
Onyedika has been one of the more underrated midfielders in the Eredivisie and Belgian Pro League circuit over the past couple of seasons — composed on the ball, strong in the tackle, and capable of dictating tempo from deep. Eintracht Frankfurt clearly see him as someone who can add steel and creativity to their midfield engine room.
The move also continues a growing trend of Nigerian players making their mark in the Bundesliga, and Onyedika will be eager to hit the ground running when the new season gets underway.
Managing Editor,
Lagos Post Online.
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