Bundesliga transfer: How Onyedika could be Frankfurt’s first Nigerian first-team star since Okocha

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that formal negotiations are now underway between the two clubs as Frankfurt try to complete a key transfer target before the new Bundesliga season.

The German club’s interest in Onyedika is not new. Frankfurt have been following the 25-year-old for more than a year and previously tried to sign him during the last two transfer windows without success. This summer, however, they believe the conditions are finally right to complete the deal.

A major reason is Onyedika’s contract situation. The Nigerian international has entered the final year of his agreement with Club Brugge and has decided not to sign a new contract. That leaves the Belgian side with a difficult decision. They can either sell him now and receive a transfer fee or risk losing him for free next summer.

Despite having only one year left on his contract, Brugge are not expected to lower their demands significantly. The midfielder has previously been valued between €20 million and €25 million, while discussions over a loan deal with an obligation to buy worth as much as €30 million failed last year because both clubs could not agree on the structure of the transfer.

The good news for Frankfurt is that personal terms are not expected to be a problem. Onyedika is understood to be very interested in moving to the Bundesliga, believing it would be the ideal next step in his career after impressing in Belgium and with Nigeria.

Frankfurt are also hoping to strengthen a squad that endured a frustrating 2025-26 campaign. The club finished eighth in the Bundesliga with 44 points, narrowly missed out on European qualification, exited the DFB-Pokal in the second round and struggled badly in the UEFA Champions League league phase. The season was made even more difficult by three managerial changes before Albert Riera departed at the end of the campaign.

With the club planning a fresh start, Onyedika has been identified as one of the players capable of bringing energy, defensive strength and consistency to the midfield.

Signing Onyedika would mean more than simply adding another midfielder to Frankfurt’s squad.

If the transfer is completed and he establishes himself in the first team, the Super Eagles star would become the club’s first successful Nigerian first-team player since the legendary Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha left in 1996.

Okocha remains one of the most celebrated foreign players in Frankfurt’s history after dazzling Bundesliga fans with his incredible skill, creativity and unforgettable goals during his spell in Germany.

Since his departure, several Nigerian footballers have arrived at the club hoping to follow in his footsteps, but none managed to secure a regular place in the senior team.

Defender Nduka Anyanwu joined Frankfurt in 1997 after leaving Union Bank FC in Nigeria but spent most of his time with the reserve side before leaving after one season.

Another defender, Donald Agu, arrived in 1998 and remained at the club for almost two years. Although he trained with the first team, he never made an official Bundesliga appearance before moving elsewhere.

Forward Isaac Ojigwe, younger brother of former Super Eagles midfielder Pascal Ojigwe, also failed to break into the senior squad after joining in 2002. He featured mainly for Eintracht Frankfurt II before continuing his career in Germany’s lower divisions.

Three Nigerians, zero appearances for Frankfurt’s first team. Those unsuccessful spells have left Okocha as the defining Nigerian figure in Frankfurt’s history for almost three decades.

Onyedika now has the opportunity to change that story. The midfielder has already built a strong reputation with Club Brugge through consistent performances in the Belgian Pro League and European competitions.

Frankfurt, however, are not alone in the race. Turkish champions Galatasaray have admired the Nigerian for a long time and have previously seen several offers rejected by Brugge. Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have also monitored his progress.

Even with that competition, Frankfurt remain determined to secure his signature. If they succeed, Onyedika will strengthen their midfield and also have the chance to become the first Nigerian since Jay-Jay Okocha to leave a lasting mark in the Eintracht Frankfurt first team.