Al Ittihad have submitted a formal offer to sign 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 officially entered negotiations with the Belgian club, according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, and are targeting the 23-year-old as a key reinforcement in central midfield.
Their move comes as Eintracht Frankfurt had appeared to be in pole position to secure Onyedika, having already lodged a proposal with Club Bruges in recent days.
However, the late intervention from Al Ittihad is expected to reshape the negotiations around one of the most sought-after midfielders of the current transfer window.
Al Ittihad make official bid
Romano reports that Al Ittihad have sent an official bid to Club Bruges for Onyedika, underlining the Saudi club’s intention to upgrade their midfield options with established European-based talent.
The size of the offer has not been disclosed, but Club Bruges are understood to value the player highly and are prepared for a “fierce” battle on the market, with several clubs now pushing to sign him.
Al Ittihad’s approach reflects the continued ambition of leading Saudi Pro League sides to recruit players in their prime from European leagues, rather than focusing solely on older stars.
Eintracht Frankfurt face fresh competition
Eintracht Frankfurt had been pressing to finalise a deal after tabling a bid to Club Bruges, and were believed to be strongly positioned to land the Nigerian.
The Bundesliga club see Onyedika as a central piece to strengthen their midfield, and their interest has been active in recent days as they sought to wrap up an agreement before other contenders emerged.
Al Ittihad’s entry into the race complicates that plan and could drive up both the transfer fee and the player’s wage demands as a bidding war develops.
Galatasaray join the race
The contest for Onyedika is not limited to Germany and Saudi Arabia.
According to exclusive information cited by Africafoot, Turkish champions Galatasaray have also made the midfielder one of their priority targets for this summer’s window.
Galatasaray are closely tracking the situation and are expected to move quickly to avoid being left behind by their German and Saudi rivals. Their appeal includes regular European football and a strong recent domestic record.
Club Bruges set for decisive talks
Club Bruges now find themselves in a favourable negotiating position, with three ambitious clubs competing for their player.
Initial indications in the French-language report suggested Onyedika was under contract for only one more season, but the latter part of the same piece notes he is tied to the Belgian side until June 2027 and is currently valued at around €23m on Transfermarkt.
He earns an annual salary of €677,851 (440,603,150 FCFA), a figure any of the interested clubs would comfortably be able to improve.
With his market value rising and multiple offers expected, Bruges are likely to consider a sale this summer if their valuation is met, in order to capitalise on the growing interest.
One of the window’s most in-demand midfielders
Still only in his early twenties and already a Nigeria international, Onyedika has rapidly become one of the most coveted midfielders available in this transfer window.
Between the determination of Eintracht Frankfurt, the financial and sporting pull of Al Ittihad and the vigilance of Galatasaray, the coming days are expected to be decisive for his future.
Whichever club wins the race will secure a player whose stock in European football – and beyond – is continuing to rise.
