Galatasaray: The key reason Super Lig giants may sign Onyedika after Ugochukwu

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Turkish Süper Lig club Galatasaray have recently signed Lesley Ugochukwu but there is still a good chance that they will sign Super Eagles star Raphael Onyedika for the past year, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 25-year-old midfielder has impressed at Club Brugge over the past four years, maintaining a consistent starting role. He has featured in 183 games so far, contributing nine goals and six assists.

Due to his impressive displays, the Super Eagles star has been linked with several clubs in the top five leagues, such as West Ham, Crystal Palace, Eintracht Frankfurt, and many others. However, none of them have made a formal move for the highly-rated Nigerian.

Nigeria and Club Brugge Raphael Onyedika

Although the former FC Midtjylland man has never expressed a desire to leave, his decision to refuse a contract extension at the club speaks volumes about his future plans.

As stated earlier, Galatasaray have been seriously linked with the Nigerian international for the past year. They were part of the conversation last summer, and this summer, they have returned.

Why Galatasaray Could Sign Onyedika After Cooping Ugochukwu

Burnley midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu eligible for Nigeria and France

Galatasaray are the reigning champions of Turkey. In fact, they have dominated the league for the last four years, winning the title four times in a row.

However, some key players of the team who spearheaded Galatasaray’s success are slowly exiting. Mario Lemina and Mauro Icardi have left, and Davinson Sanchez could also depart for Como.

It is also important to note that the Cimbom look quite lightweight in the middle of the park with just four senior midfielders. They will challenge for the Süper Lig, the Turkish Cup, and the Champions League, not to mention the Super Cup. They could potentially play up to 50 games next season.

Galatasaray players held their final training session in Istanbul on September 29 ahead of their UEFA Champions League Matchday 2 fixture against Liverpool, which will be played the following day , Istanbul, Turkey.

It is also important to note that their competitors, Beşiktaş and Fenerbahçe, are getting better players. As such, Galatasaray must also strengthen their squad.

They have already completed the signing of Lesley Ugochukwu, but they need more options, especially since Ilkay Gündoğan is past his prime and Lucas Torreira, now over 30, may no longer have the same legs and sharpness as before.

Hence, they need more players. Someone like Onyedika would be a solid addition to the team. He can dictate play from deep, and as a player accustomed to possession-based football, he would be key to how the team functions under coach Okan Buruk.

Both Onyedika and Ugochukwu can operated in different positions in the middle of the park. They can play as defensive midfielders and central midfielders, giving Buruk some tactical flexibility.

Raphael Onyedika during the game against Morocco

Onyedika would definitely be happy to link up with Victor Osimhen, who is highly regarded in Istanbul. It is a deal that Galatasaray could make happen, as they can afford the transfer fee and also the former Midtjylland man well.

Club Brugge will definitely be open to selling this summer, as they know they will lose Onyedika for free next summer if they stall. The Nigerian midfielder is valued at €23 million on Transfermarkt, but Club Brugge could demand a higher fee before sanctioning the deal.