Aston Villa and West Ham keep an eye on Nigeria’s Onyedika after he chooses Club Brugge.

Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika is increasingly likely to depart Club Brugge this summer after deciding not to renew his contract with the Belgian champions, according to Afrik‑Foot.

The 25‑year‑old still has two years left on his current deal, which runs until June 2027, but talks over an extension have stalled in recent months, as reported by Voetbal24. Brugge had hoped to secure the Nigerian midfielder on improved long‑term terms following another strong season in Belgium, yet he has made it clear that he wants a new challenge elsewhere in Europe.

Onyedika sought by Premier League clubs

This decision has immediately boosted the interest of several clubs monitoring his situation, especially in the Premier League. Aston Villa and West Ham United are both understood to be tracking developments closely as they prepare for the summer transfer window.

Everton have also been linked with the Nigerian international, although Villa and West Ham currently appear better positioned financially to complete a deal.

Since joining Brugge from Danish side FC Midtjylland in 2022, Onyedika has become one of the club’s most important midfielders. His aggressive pressing, ball‑winning ability and composure in possession have made him a key figure in both domestic competition and European matches.

The Nigerian also raised his profile during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where he delivered several commanding displays in midfield for the Super Eagles. Those performances further convinced many observers that he is ready to move to one of Europe’s top‑five leagues.

Club Brugge had previously resisted attempts to sign him. German side VfL Wolfsburg reportedly failed with a €20 million bid during the winter transfer window, while Turkish champions Galatasaray have maintained a long‑standing interest in the midfielder.

The Belgian club initially valued Onyedika between €25 million and €40 million when interest in him intensified earlier in the season. However, with the player unwilling to renew his contract, reports in Belgium now suggest Brugge may accept offers closer to €20 million in order to avoid losing bargaining power in future windows.

The situation has become one of financial realism for Club Brugge. Keeping Onyedika against his wishes could risk lowering his market value over time, especially if he enters the final stages of his contract without an extension agreement.

The Belgian side has already begun preparing for life after the Nigerian. Midfield options such as Hugo Vetlesen, Ludovit Reis and Aleksandar Stankovic are viewed internally as players capable of taking on larger responsibilities if Onyedika departs.

Despite the transfer speculation, Onyedika remains involved in Club Brugge’s title push. The midfielder has recently been recovering from physical problems but is expected to return before the decisive end of the Belgian Pro League season.

League leaders Brugge hold a one‑point advantage over Union SG ahead of their all‑important top‑of‑the‑table clash on Sunday. A victory will leave Onyedika and teammates one more win away from claiming the league title they last lifted in 2024.

Onyedika has won the Belgian Pro League and Belgian Cup during his four‑year stay at Club Brugge.