The nine-cap Super Eagles midfielder is being asked by Barcelona and rejects a multi-million-dollar transfer to Saudi Arabia

Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika is excited about a big season ahead and is undeterred by the host of clubs vying for his signature in the summer transfer window.

However, the lure of playing in the Premier League could be enough to sway the Club Brugge player’s stance.

Onyedika joined FC Midtjylland in 2020 as a raw teenager with little exposure. But things quickly changed as even experienced internationals such as Henrik Dalsgaard and Vagner Love, with whom he trained and played together, soon took notice of his talent, something he is immensely “proud” of.

Having arrived at the Jan Breydel Stadium in 2022 from Denmark, Onyedika had set out to cement his place in Club Brugge’s first team, first under coach Carl Hoefkens and still.

Last season he played a leading role in midfield for his team, which finished fourth in the Primera División A, and is now ready for more.

Onyedika has been catching the eye throughout the 2023/24 season thanks to his brilliant performances for Club Brugge and this summer promises to be an interesting one.

Spanish La Liga giants Barcelona had reportedly made advances for the player during last season, while Crystal Palace, Leicester City and Everton are also tracking the 23-year-old.

According to SportsBoom, an unnamed Saudi Arabian club has entered the mix, submitting a staggering offer and is ready to meet Club Brugge’s asking price of £20m for their prized asset.

“It’s really flattering to see these names, this calibre of clubs taking an interest in your services,” he told SportsBoom.com.

“You know immediately that you are doing the right thing, and that is why these conversations keep coming up.

“I just focus on playing my game, and not necessarily on who is speaking. A lot of these things I don’t decide on my own, you know? My agent will have to analyze everything and in the end decide what is best for all parties.”

Asked if he would ever consider the Middle East, he said: “I’m not sure the Middle East is the best place for my development right now.

Speaking about speculation linking him with a move to the Premier League, Onyedika believes the top flight of English football remains a dream.

“The Premier League? These are places you can’t say no to as a top professional. When they call you and everything is going well, of course you can.”

Players like Daniel Amokachi and Emmanuel Dennis are Nigerians who made the step up to the Premier League after playing for Club Brugge in the past. And he hopes to follow in their footsteps.”

Mohamed Mowiz Suleiman