English Premier League side West Ham United are reportedly preparing to ramp up their interest in Nigerian midfielder Raphael Onyedika once they wrap up their ongoing pre-season activities in the United States.
The 24 year old, who has grown into a midfield pillar for Belgian giants Club Brugge, is believed to be at the top of West Ham’s shortlist as they look to bolster their squad this summer.
According to Belgian outlet Voetbalnieuws, the Hammers have made the Super Eagles star their primary midfield target and are closely monitoring his situation in Belgium. The report also suggests that Brugge are now more receptive to letting the player leave, unlike last summer when they blocked a potential transfer.
“Club Brugge are more open to a sale this time around,” Voetbalnieuws revealed. “They’ll consider the right offer, but Onyedika himself is not rushing into anything. He’s waiting for the best opportunity.”
While there is no formal bid on the table yet, West Ham are expected to step up talks once they return from their US tour, where they’ve been engaged in both commercial and training activities. Brugge are reportedly holding out for a fee in the region of €20 million.
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The Belgian report added, “This isn’t shaping up to be a long, drawn-out transfer like Jashari’s case. There’s been no overwhelming competition from Europe’s elite clubs so far, but West Ham’s interest looks solid and could trigger a move soon.”
Onyedika moved to Club Brugge in August 2022 from Danish side FC Midtjylland for just under €10 million, making him one of the club’s most expensive signings at the time. Despite a brief spell on the sidelines under former coach Ronny Deila, the Nigerian bounced back under new manager Nicky Hayen, playing a crucial role in Brugge’s title challenge last season.
West Ham’s renewed push for midfield reinforcements comes in the wake of key departures, including Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed Kudus, which has created an urgent need to strengthen the squad’s central options.
As it stands, Onyedika is keeping his options open, but the coming weeks could see serious developments as West Ham look to close in on their top target.
