Eintracht Frankfurt have stepped up their efforts to sign Nigeria midfielder Raphael Onyedika from Club Bruges, putting Saudi club Al-Ittihad’s plans for a replacement for Fabinho at serious risk, according to reports.
Italian transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano says Frankfurt are “pushing hard” to secure a deal for the 25-year-old defensive midfielder in the current summer transfer window.
Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad had identified Onyedika as a key target to strengthen their midfield following the departure of Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, whose contract expired at the end of last season.
However, the late and strong involvement of the Bundesliga club threatens to derail the Jeddah side’s pursuit.
Frankfurt ‘pushing hard’ as race intensifies
Romano reported on social media platform X that Eintracht Frankfurt have moved firmly for Onyedika, who plays for Belgian champions Club Bruges.
He added that Al-Ittihad have also formally entered the race, submitting an official offer for the player in the ongoing window as they search for a new midfield anchor.
The dual interest has set up a direct battle between a leading German club and one of Saudi Arabia’s biggest sides, with both looking to bolster their squads before the new season.
Club Bruges valuation and contract situation
Club Bruges are understood to value Onyedika at around €10m (£8.4m).
The Nigerian has just one year remaining on his current contract, which is due to expire at the end of next season, leaving the Belgian club under pressure to sell now or risk losing him for free.
From January, Onyedika will be eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement with another club ahead of a free transfer next summer, weakening Bruges’ bargaining position and making this window a likely moment for a deal.
Al-Ittihad’s search after Fabinho exit
Al-Ittihad, one of the Saudi Pro League’s most high-profile clubs, are rebuilding their midfield after deciding not to renew the contract of former Liverpool star Fabinho.
The Brazilian’s departure has left a gap in the holding midfield role, prompting the club to look for a younger, defensively solid replacement capable of dictating play and shielding the back line.
Onyedika, who fits a similar profile as a ball-winning, deep-lying midfielder, has emerged as a leading candidate. But with Frankfurt now aggressively pursuing him, Al-Ittihad face the possibility of missing out on one of their primary summer targets.
Standout season in Belgium
Onyedika enjoyed a strong campaign with Club Bruges last season, featuring in 42 matches across all competitions.
During that time he scored three goals and provided two assists, performances that helped to raise his profile in European football and draw the attention of clubs in both Germany and Saudi Arabia.
His combination of physical presence, work rate and ability to operate as a defensive shield in front of the back four has made him an attractive option for teams looking to reinforce their midfield.
With both Eintracht Frankfurt and Al-Ittihad in the hunt, the coming weeks are expected to be decisive for Onyedika’s future, as Bruges weigh up offers and the player considers whether to remain in Europe’s top leagues or move to the increasingly high-profile Saudi Pro League.
